Garrett Hardin

Date of Birth: April 21, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: September 14, 2003

Biography

Garrett James Hardin was an influential American ecologist and philosopher known for his controversial views on population control and environmental sustainability. He was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up with a strong interest in biology and ecology. Hardin earned a B.S. in zoology from the University of Chicago and went on to receive a Ph.D. in microbiology from Stanford University. He spent the majority of his career as a professor of human ecology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Hardin is best known for his 1968 essay “The Tragedy of the Commons,” which argued that individuals acting in their own self-interest can ultimately destroy shared resources. This work has had a lasting impact on environmental science, economics, and policy-making. He also wrote extensively on issues related to overpopulation, advocating for strict population control measures and warning of the dangers of unregulated immigration. Throughout his career, Hardin received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to environmental science, but his views also sparked significant controversy and debate. He continued to write and lecture until his death in 2003.

5 Interesting Facts about Garrett Hardin

1. Garrett Hardin’s most famous work, “The Tragedy of the Commons,” was published in the journal Science in 1968.

2. He was a long-time advocate for population control and supported policies that he believed would prevent overpopulation.

3. Hardin was a founding member of the environmental organization, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

4. He authored several books, including “Living Within Limits: Ecology, Economics, and Population Taboos,” which won the Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science.

5. Hardin was also known for his concept of “lifeboat ethics,” which argued that aiding those in need could lead to the depletion of resources and harm to society as a whole.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Garrett Hardin

1. “The Tragedy of the Commons as a food basket is averted by private property, or something formally like it.”

2. “Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all.”

3. “A finite world can support only a finite population; therefore, population growth must eventually equal zero.”

4. “We can never do merely one thing. Any intrusion into nature has numerous effects, many of which are unpredictable.”

5. “Continuity in human affairs depends on a conservative approach to change.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Garrett Hardin’s net worth is not well-documented, but as an academic and author, his wealth was modest compared to individuals in the private sector.

Children

Garrett Hardin and his wife, Jane Hardin, had four children together. Their names are not widely publicized, as Hardin kept his family life relatively private.