Hardin Summary

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Hardin refers to the commons with its natural resources, an area that we all share, access, and use providing there is enough for all. The resources of the commons include such things as open waters, clean air, as well as forest land preserves. He illustrates, through a parable of animals grazing in an open pasture of the common ground, for everyone to use and dare I say abuse. The herdsmen of the said grazing flocks are driven to increase their herds on the commons, in which to grow personal wealth. This leads to numerous problems for both animal and user as quantities exceed the lands carrying capacity of the commons, as this land degrades and compromises the needs of future generations. He suggests we abandon the commons in food gathering