Add Quote by Garrett Hardin
“The rational herdsman concludes that the only sensible course for him to pursue is to add another animal to his herd. And another; and another . . . But this is the conclusion reached by each and every rational herdsman sharing a commons. Therein is the tragedy. Each man is locked into a system that compels him to increase his herd without limit — in a world that is limited. Ruin is the destination toward which all men rush, each pursuing his own best interest in a society that believes in the freedom of the commons. Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Tragedy of the Commons, 1968
Rational individuals, when sharing a limited resource, each add more to their own benefit, leading to collective ruin.
In simple terms: Self‑interest in shared resources causes collapse.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits and cooperate.
Themes
commons
tragedy
self‑interest
cooperation
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
ethical
environmental
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- community planning
- shared grazing
- common‑pool resource management
Key Concepts
resource management
collective action
externalities
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we align personal gain with collective sustainability?
- What mechanisms can enforce shared limits?
A Different Perspective
If everyone cooperates, individual incentives may be ignored.
