My world view seems to be changing lately. Like other conscious Canadians, I am aware of the responsibility and opportunity that exists for us to be leaders on the world stage, in environmental policy and action. Our country is wealthy in terms of its diverse urban centres, expansive wilderness, and sustainable economic potential and to say that we have been poor stewards of this wealth is a gross understatement. Our national leadership has failed to act both at home and on the world stage. But what can I expect, when it is equally true that my own life is packed with contradictions in terms of my views and actions?
In the past few weeks I have come to the conclusion that I am not an informed member of my community, the Penetangore River watershed, and I intend to change that. I intend to discover my community within the framework of soils, waters, plants, and animals, which is the central theme in Aldo Leopold's land ethic. I will try to address the land ethic for the people of Kincardine and its neighbouring townships, the biotic and abiotic factors that we often call nature, and the agricultural practices that straddle these two worlds. Through this process I expect to become a better farmer and citizen.
One of my favourite jokes applies to this challenge. “There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says "Morning, boys. How's the water?" And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes "What the hell is water?” (David Foster Wallace). Like these fish, I hope that I will become conscious of my immediate community, and then better able to reconcile my views and actions.
Tom Franklin, December 2015
In the past few weeks I have come to the conclusion that I am not an informed member of my community, the Penetangore River watershed, and I intend to change that. I intend to discover my community within the framework of soils, waters, plants, and animals, which is the central theme in Aldo Leopold's land ethic. I will try to address the land ethic for the people of Kincardine and its neighbouring townships, the biotic and abiotic factors that we often call nature, and the agricultural practices that straddle these two worlds. Through this process I expect to become a better farmer and citizen.
One of my favourite jokes applies to this challenge. “There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says "Morning, boys. How's the water?" And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes "What the hell is water?” (David Foster Wallace). Like these fish, I hope that I will become conscious of my immediate community, and then better able to reconcile my views and actions.
Tom Franklin, December 2015
Notions.
I have decided to use this word to encompass the parts of this project that are derived from both my heart and my head. Some might call these opinions, and as such they can not be argued, verified, or supported. That's fine, but opinion is not exactly the intended use of the word. In addition, my notions are not meant to be wholly instructive to others. I am not telling anyone what to do, but I am stating what informs me.
To define notions operationally on this site, please consider notions as insights that are small useful things.
I have decided to use this word to encompass the parts of this project that are derived from both my heart and my head. Some might call these opinions, and as such they can not be argued, verified, or supported. That's fine, but opinion is not exactly the intended use of the word. In addition, my notions are not meant to be wholly instructive to others. I am not telling anyone what to do, but I am stating what informs me.
To define notions operationally on this site, please consider notions as insights that are small useful things.