A Declaration of Interdependence

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one to observe the ecological bands that connect them to one another, and assume among the powers of earth, the equal station to which the laws of nature subject them to, impels them to declare the causes of unification.

We hold these truths to be self evident, that all life is created equal, that there are endowed by biology (or god) with an inalienable purpose, a sense of place. This purpose cannot be achieved, nor this “place” found without observing the rights of environment, wildlife and community. Similarly, our habitat, the earth, cannot survive without the attentions of its inhabitants. Humans, animals, flora, fauna are dependant on each other for the essentials; food, water, shelter, air, with witch none will survive without. In searching our souls for meaning, we idealize independence, freedom, and wealth, instead of looking to the bonds that chain us to our purpose, the webs of interdependence.

The entrenched power of the modern world disseminates fear, injustice and poverty upon the masses, using slight of hand and sliver tongues to distract us from the chasm growing between people and place. Effectively, we have removed ourselves from the life cycle, choosing instead to take what we want when we want it, irrespective of consequences or reparation. We have created miles of concrete, disrupting habitat and water cycle. We consume millions of tons of carbon-based fuels, flooding the atmosphere with more carbon dioxide than the trees can recycle into oxygen. We generate waste products at a rate far surpassing the ability of the earth to decompose it. We lean upon the earth, heavily, for all out needs, but offer no support in return. Loss of place is loss of purpose, loss of identity and relationships. Without purpose, people not only lose contact with environment and community, but we fail to fulfill out part in the life cycle that sustains us.

We are now mandated to secure these rights of interdependent habitation for the environment and ourselves. We as humans have a right to our own survival, and our survival is dependent on the ability to breathe the exhalations of the trees, and drink the tears of the clouds. When individuals, governments, and religions are destructive to these ends, we are obligated to scream our objections loud, that others may hear and share our discontent. It is the right of the people to cry out and educate the uninformed. We must abolish these thoughts of self-serving individualism so ingrained in our cultural conscience: to learn to depend upon one another for our needs as we depend on the earth for our home.

We must declare, as individuals and as a community, our Interdependence: interweave our lives with the people and places around us; work hard to provide not just for our families, but also our community. By allowing our neighbors to support us as we support them, we are forced to feel kinship, rebuild relationships with one another and the earth. We learn to depend on each other in our daily lives for our daily bread. We begin to comprehend the natural world, the ecological feedback loops that sustain the entire planet’s existence.

The Declaration of Interdependence focuses upon this new solution: systemic unification of people and place. Look no farther than neighbors and gardens for the solution. The simplicity of cooperation and community provides our motivation: we fix the problem by fixing ourselves; repairing the damaged landscapes and fractured communities left in the wake of the American dream. We must not be afraid to ask for help, from the land or our fellow man. We must not be afraid to receive it. Look for the purpose in all people, and include them all in our society. This is not a solution of action, but one of perception.


This declaration to empower all humans with the ability to perceive and practice interdependent living can only be achieved through reconnection with our natural world. The key to shifting the entrenched paradigm is to spend time observing, interacting and working intimately with the land. By observing the interrelated functions of the plants, trees and insects, we gain the knowledge needed sustain our existence, and that of our neighbors. We must begin to perceive ourselves as one of a whole, interdependent species and act according to this perception. What’s needed is a gentle, progressive movement of humanity back to its roots in the land and the community.


This doctrine does not call for mass exoduses to the few rural areas left in this country; nor the giving up all material possessions. (Though most could lose a few.) We argue here not for the self-reliance of the transcendentalist; nor the intense Vairagya (aversion to worldly interests) that Gandhi practiced.


Instead, a change in the mind of you, the reader is required. Shift perception toward interdependence; revise the old standards of independent autonomy. Spend five minutes a day learning from a tree, bird or pond. Show children the wonder of the woods; teach them of their place in the system. Ask how you can help your neighbors, friends and family. Money has no currency to the earth; only hard work will earn her respect.. These are simple tasks, it will cost no money to implement, require no violent rebellion and no political bickering.

What’s required is the observation and redefinition of our individual, social and environmental values to reflect a new understanding of our interdependent existence. Remove preconceived notions of the way things are; see life as it should be, as you want it to be. Never underestimate the power of to change your perception to make the world conform to what you want it to be.