Tsimtsum and human change

[Assigned Readings]

From Ecology of Eden

In Chapter 27 of Ecology of Eden, titled The Urban Animal, it discusses how its in our nature to live in urban environments and we should lessen our grip on nature. Tsimtsum is a concept of Self-retraction; retracting our influence so other living things have space to exist. One way that we can self-retract is through urbanization. Living in more condensed spaces would allow for human to control and effect less land, which allows other beings more space to live and prosper. Our roads would lessen as the suburban areas would cease to exist, removing walls from nature that separate several components of the wilderness. We could also lessen our effect on nature by changes in diet (plant based instead of animal agriculture), industrialization to limit population growth, increasing health systems to restrict the need for larger families, and maximizing crop production while limiting water intake.

What are other behaviors that can engage the concept of tsimtsum (self-retraction)?

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