Re: Nyerere and Amerindians

On Nyerere's observation: Well, but the wonderful thing about small
groups that use things and then move on is that vegetation, game, etc.
tends to restore itself when they're gone. People who settle are much
worse... indeed the very fact of their settling may reflect the fact that
new territory is getting scarce, and it certainly stimulates increased
fertility, intensified exploitation of resources, etc.  

On Amerindians: You have a good point. Probably the evidence is mixed.
But there do seem to be some cultural elements and world views that
suggest a very benign attitude towards the animal world and so on. Maybe
the advent of the horse and gun led to harsher attitudes?? I'm way out of
my depth here, I hasten to add. Perhaps Thomas Hall could add something
more intelligent on this.