The theory of the "Commons" comes from Garrett Hardin's essay entitled, " The Tragedy of the Common's ". My interpretation of the use of the word Commons, describes a way of life in the early development of humanity. It was a life style that brought people together in communities to provide security and a sharing of resources to benefit the group rather than the individual. It was a way of sharing that provided an increased opportunity to survive the harsh elements of nature. The word "Commons" refers to the shared use of the natural resources required by the people. They might graze their livestock in a common pasture, raise vegetables in a shared garden or work together gathering and sharing foods from their natural surroundings.
With the inevitable growth in population, life began to change. Individuals began to see opportunities to expand their wealth and affluence by increasing the size of their livestock herds or entering into "capitalistic enterprises" to sell their over abundance of resources. Gradually, the focus on the community began to change to a focus on the individual. Dr. Thomas Berry, points out that today most all institutions in our Western society are focused on the individual.
It has been suggested that this change from the community to the individual has played a major role in the increased "selfishness" that has permeated our society. I have heard psychologists state that human behavior is totally focused on selfishness. Even actions intended to help others are motivated by the desire to make one's self feel good.
My concerns are related to the demands we are placing on the natural resources we require for life on this planet. Our focus on the needs of the individual currently has us demanding five times more land to support our affluent life style, then is available per person worldwide. The concept of the "Commons" has become a distant memory and the demands of the individual has resulted in selfishness and greed that must be reversed.
Intensive management of our resources from the natural world is the only way for the future. I personally believe the science of forestry should take the lead as deforestation is the number 3 most important environmental issue confronting us worldwide. I also believe that if we take the time to retrace our footsteps we will find the wisdom to correct the impact humans have had on the natural world! WE can and must make a difference!