The rational herdsman concludes that the only sensible course for him to pursue is to add another animal to his herd. And another; and another . . . But this is the conclusion reached by each and every rational herdsman sharing a commons. Therein is the tragedy. Each man is locked into a system that compels him to increase his herd without limit — in a world that is limited. Ruin is the destination toward which all men rush, each pursuing his own best interest in a society that believes in the freedom of the commons. Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all.

Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all.

The population problem has no technical solution; it requires a fundamental extension in morality.

Continuity is at the heart of conservatism: ecology serves that heart.

Value is a relative concept: the value of each action is determined by comparing it with other possible actions.

An attack on values is inevitably seen as an act of subversion.

But as population became denser, the natural chemical and biological recycling processes became overloaded, calling for a redefinition of property rights.