The Ecosophy of Deep Ecology

1. The well-being and flourishing of human and non-human life

     on Earth have value in themselves (synonyms: intrinsic value, inherent worth).

     These values are independent of the usefulness of the non-human world for human purposes.

2. Richness and diversity of life forms contribute to the

    realization of these values and are also values in themselves.

3. Humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity

    except to satisfy vital needs.

4. The flourishing of human life and cultures is compatible with

    a substantially smaller human population. The flourishing of

    non-human life requires a smaller human population.

5. Present human interference with the non-human world is

    excessive, and the situation is rapidly worsening.

6. Polices must therefore be changed. These polices affect

    basic economic, technological, and ideological structures. The

    resulting state of affairs will be deeply different from the present.

7. The ideological change will be mainly that of appreciating life

    quality (dwelling in situations of inherent value) rather than

    adhering to an increasingly higher standard of living. There

    will be a profound awareness of the difference between

    bigness and greatness.

8. Those who subscribe to the following points have an

    obligation directly or indirectly to try to implement the necessary changes.