premise: This passage aims to outline the debate regarding the benefit of protecting wilderness land, where mankind is unrepresented, versus using such lands for the good of mankind. Commentators suggest that mans use of such land, whether to build houses or reap the resources that can be extracted, diminishes the value of such spaces. Opposing this line of thought is the view that to corner off such spaces prevents human progress and limits the possibilities of expansion. In accordance with this line of thought, to limit the use of such resources increases their monetary value, placing those with limited resources at a disadvantage.
hypothesis: Expansion may be limited by the preservation of wilderness land.