The Moon in the Nautilus Shell: Discordant Harmonies Reconsidered

In a world constantly confronted by global environmental problems, establishing effective ecological policies is more important than ever. Our natural ecological systems are constantly fluctuating and our plans, policies, and laws governing the environment must change to reflect our new understanding. Poised to be a core text of the twenty-first century environmental movement, The Moon in the Nautilus Shell challenges us to think critically about our role in nature. It expands upon the ideas put forth in Daniel Botkin's Discordant Harmonies (1990), the book considered by many to be the classic text of the environmental movement. Botkin was among the first to challenge the then dominant view that nature ideally exists in a state of perfect balance, remaining constant over time unless disturbed by human influence. He argues that nature has no ideal state of balance, but is instead constantly evolving and fluctuating. It is critical to the success of our future initiatives that we acknowledge that fact. The Moon in the Nautilus Shell brings Botkin's ideas into the twenty-first century. Readers will learn that the belief in a balanced nature is alive and well, though those who hold it are constantly confronted by scientific evidence that stands in opposition. This book will challenge us to rethink our current conservation policies and to more fully appreciate the complexities of the world in which we live.