Garrett Hardin

Date of Birth: April 21, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: September 14, 2003

Biography

Garrett Hardin was an American ecologist and philosopher best known for his warnings about the dangers of overpopulation. Born on April 21, 1915, in Dallas, Texas, Hardin made significant contributions to the field of environmental science through his research and writings. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Chicago in 1936 and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Stanford University in 1941. Hardin’s most famous work is the 1968 essay “The Tragedy of the Commons,” in which he argued that individual users acting independently according to their own self-interest can ultimately destroy shared resources, even when it is clear that it is not in anyone’s long-term interest for this to happen. This essay has had a profound impact on environmental policy and has been widely cited in various disciplines. Throughout his career, Hardin published several books and numerous articles on topics ranging from population control to bioethics. His work often sparked controversy, particularly his views on immigration and reproductive rights. Despite the contentious nature of some of his ideas, Hardin remained a significant figure in environmentalism until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Garrett Hardin

1. Garrett Hardin was a staunch advocate for population control and believed that unchecked population growth would lead to environmental degradation.

2. He coined the term “Tragedy of the Commons” to describe the inevitable depletion of shared resources due to individual self-interest.

3. Hardin’s views on immigration were controversial; he argued for strict immigration controls to prevent overpopulation.

4. He was a professor of Human Ecology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, for over three decades.

5. Hardin and his wife, Jane, tragically took their own lives in a joint suicide, citing health issues as their reason.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Garrett Hardin

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

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

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

4. “The optimum population is, then, less than the maximum.”

5. “Ecology is the overall science of which economics is a minor specialty.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Garrett Hardin’s net worth was never publicly documented. His wealth was primarily intellectual, contributing significantly to environmental science and policy.

Children

Garrett Hardin had four children with his wife Jane Hardin. Their names are not widely publicized, and they have largely stayed out of the public eye.