He explains that although we tend to be optimistic, no one really focuses on the “real future,” instead we only think about a quick solution which encompasses no more than “a score of years.” (219) In his example of coal, Pinchot states that man has a “habit if declaring certain of our resources inexhaustible,” and so there are no limits as to the mining of these resources. He continues his essay describing that man has a very selfish nature in their actions of land hunger instead of conservation. He points out that the forests have already begun to fail with all the need for more and more lumber and general deforestation practices, and when this happens, “the daily life of the average citizen will inevitably feel the pinch on every side.”(294) In his closing he makes a fair claim that we are entitled to take pride in our growth, but there needs to be some sort of regard for the future—and as a nation we need to be concerned about conserving to avoid our downfall like others who preceded
He explains that although we tend to be optimistic, no one really focuses on the “real future,” instead we only think about a quick solution which encompasses no more than “a score of years.” (219) In his example of coal, Pinchot states that man has a “habit if declaring certain of our resources inexhaustible,” and so there are no limits as to the mining of these resources. He continues his essay describing that man has a very selfish nature in their actions of land hunger instead of conservation. He points out that the forests have already begun to fail with all the need for more and more lumber and general deforestation practices, and when this happens, “the daily life of the average citizen will inevitably feel the pinch on every side.”(294) In his closing he makes a fair claim that we are entitled to take pride in our growth, but there needs to be some sort of regard for the future—and as a nation we need to be concerned about conserving to avoid our downfall like others who preceded