A definition of sustainability I’m testing

April 26, 2025 by Joshua
in Models

People sometimes ask me my definition of sustainability. Usually I say something about maintaining earth’s ability to sustain life. Because we humans depend on other life, maintaining earth’s ability to sustain life means its ability to sustain human life too. I like lots of life, but I like human life especially.

I’m testing a new definition of sustainability:

To be able to live without taking or harming others’ life, liberty, or property and when taking something from nature, you leave at least where there is enough, and as good, left in common for others.

You can probably tell I’m drawing on established enlightendigenous values. The first part comes from the US Constitution, the second from John Locke’s Second Treatise on Government.

It seems like this trial definition encompasses my first one, though I haven’t tested it with many people yet. I think it will be more accessible for many Americans.

What do you think?

The United States Constitution
The United States Constitution

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