Chief Seattle

Reversing Possession: Humanity’s Place Within the Earth

If we ignore this call to humility and belonging, the consequences become all too evident. Environmental crises—such as deforestation, climate change, and species extinction—result largely from treating the earth as property to be consumed. The current state of the Amazon rainforest, rapidly diminishing under human hands, serves as a stark example of what happens when stewardship gives way to dominion. [...]

Belonging to the Earth: Rethinking Our Place in Nature

Building on these worldviews, contemporary ecological science echoes Chief Seattle’s words. Rachel Carson’s pivotal book, ‘Silent Spring’ (1962), demonstrates how human actions reverberate throughout the ecosystem, affecting all forms of life. This interconnectedness suggests that environmental harm ultimately rebounds onto humanity, underscoring our embeddedness within, rather than separation from, nature. [...]

Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints — Chief Seattle

The quote encourages eco-friendly travel practices, such as capturing memories through photographs rather than taking artifacts or disturbing the environment. [...]