People of the Land – A Pacific Philosophy
People of the Land – A Pacific Philosophy by John Patterson. Dunmore Press, Palmerston North.
An excellent read, presenting an alternative view to traditional Western ‘ownership’ attitudes to land. Environmental kinship, Mana and the respect for life and the planet being paramount to a harmonious existence as humans. Stopping the cycle of using and depleting resources buy focusing on adding value and beauty, for example using materials such as wood from a majestic tree to create a functional but beautiful chair, or on a larger scale a house or building. A major contrast to the exploitive consumer culture we exist in, encouraging the reader to stop and think before acting.
Highlighting the idea of humans being caretakers rather than dominators of the earth, and without the ‘airy fairy’ attitude that is sometimes associated with environmental philosophies and ideals, this is a book for anyone who is concerned about the environment.
As someone considering the prospect of ‘owning’ my own home and land in the future, I feel it is even more important to treat the earth with high regard. Being determined to enhance and protect rather than simply take from the earth.
Tags: Books