Introduction

Abstract

There are as many passions—past, present, and to come—associated with the art and science of ecology as there are with any other human activity. Indeed, our intense emotions are so human that we easily grow blind to that truth which tells us that our thoughts and study, our hopes and our problems, are human fabrications that would simply melt away without us. Of course, such a humiliating consideration should not at all suggest that the natural laws of science would be absent in a world without humans; however, we should see that it is the human alone who thrives on discovering principles, constructing “progress,” and conquering those problems which the uniquely ambitious human species seems fated to create and struggle with, while all other creatures seem content with their lots.

Grant us the courage, the will, and the wisdom to be good stewards of Creation. To neither selfishly waste nor to wantonly destroy the handiwork of nature.