Collections Quote by Fritjof Capra
“Shallow ecology is anthropocentric, or human-centred. It views humans as above or outside nature, as the source of all value, and ascribes only instrumental, or 'use', value to nature. Deep ecology does not separate humans - or anything else - from the natural environment. It does see the world not as a collection of isolated objects but as a network of phenomena that are fundamentally interconnected and interdependent. Deep ecology recognizes the intrinsic value of all human beings and views humans as just one particular strand in the web of life.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Web of Life by Fritjof Capra, 1996
Shallow ecology treats nature as a resource for humans, while deep ecology sees all life as intrinsically valuable and interdependent.
In simple terms: Shallow sees nature as a tool; deep sees it as valuable itself.
Key Takeaway
Recognize nature’s intrinsic worth beyond human use.
Themes
environmental ethics
interconnectedness
value systems
human-nature relationship
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
environmental
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education curricula
- conservation projects
- community planning
Key Concepts
Anthropocentrism
intrinsic value
systems thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance human welfare with intrinsic ecological value?
- What policies reflect deep ecological principles?
A Different Perspective
Deep ecology may overlook practical human needs and economic constraints.
![“Anthropocentric as [the gardener] may be, he recognizes that he is dependent for his health and survival on many other forms of life, so he is careful to take their interests into account in whatever he does. He is in fact a wilderness advocate of a certain kind. It is when he respects and…” quote by Michael Pollan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74b/michael-pollan-408_garden_anthropocentric-as-the-gardener-may-be-h_3049569.jpg)
