In adjusting to the new outlook, we must democratize knowledge and encourage public discourse. Ecologists have an obvious role to play in this democratization of discourse. Ecological observations and experiments have an attraction for people of all ages and backgrounds, as evidenced by the recent popularity of annual bird counts. Participation and activism satisfy a deep yearning in many people to contribute to a better world. In addition, archaeology has acquired new significance.
Paleontology also has new relevance to ethics.
We, like every species with which we share the world, are a product of many chance events, leading back to that amazing explosion of life forms half a billion years ago, and beyond that to the origin of life itself. Homo sapiens will have disappeared from the face of the earth does not give us license to do whatever we choose while we are here. Ecologists have always recognized the importance of diversity and adaptability, but have been hampered by lack of data covering the long periods necessary to demonstrate it. Paleontological and archeological evidence may change that situation. We are all one in a very deep sense, and must behave accordingly.