Garrett James Hardin (1915–2003) was an American ecologist known for his 1968 essay, The Tragedy of the Commons. He is also known for Hardin’s First Law of Ecology, which states, “You cannot do only one thing.”
Born in Dallas, Texas, Hardin received a B.S. in zoology from the University of Chicago in 1936 and a PhD in microbiology from Stanford University in 1941. He was a professor of ecology at the University of California-Santa Barbara 1946–78.
Hardin’s primary focus was the issue of human overpopulation and bioethics. He advocated abortion rights (the political right criticized him) and supported strict limits to all immigration (the political left criticized this idea.) His work also tackled subjects such as conservation and creationism. Hardin’s books include Tragedy of the Commons (1968,) Naked Emperors: Essays of a Taboo-Stalker (1982,) Filters Against Folly (1985,) and Living within Limits (1993.)
Hardin and his wife committed double-suicide; they were members of End-of-Life Choices, which advocates individuals’ choice.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Garrett Hardin
It is now widely believed (and, I think, correctly believed) that the survival of a nation under modern competitive conditions depends on broadening the electorate’s competency in numerate matters. Numeracy.
—Garrett Hardin
Individualism is cherished because it produces freedom, but the gift is conditional.
—Garrett Hardin
A coldly rationalist individualist can deny that he has any obligation to make sacrifices for the future.
—Garrett Hardin
Topics: Obligation
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