KT Watson- Arcadia

With my presentation of chapters 11-12 of  The Ecology of Eden, I discussed how myths reflect and reinforce our cultural worldview (including our view on ecology).  Sumerian myths oftentimes revered and feared the environment, being seen as a wild force that they seek to tame; it is understood to be impossible, but human actions still try to use it.  Their myths tell cautionary tales on mans hubris. Western civilization is heavily influenced by Christian morals and world views; when Christianity was being spread to the Roman empire, the theology adapted to become more palatable, centering human civilization (the tower).  Eden became an idealized but unattainable myth that civilization grew out of.  Arcadia exists as a midpoint between wilderness and civilization, a idyllic 'golden age' of perfect balance.  Oftentimes this is idealized, changing with how much a civilization grows and develops; a innocent existence that still benefits from technology.  

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