In this Book
- Cultivating an Ecological Conscience: Essays from a Farmer Philosopher
- Book
- 2010
- Published by: The University Press of Kentucky
- Series: Culture of the Land
Theologian, academic, and third-generation organic farmer Frederick L. Kirschenmann is a celebrated agricultural thinker. In the last thirty years he has tirelessly promoted the principles of sustainability and has become a legend in his own right. Cultivating an Ecological Conscience: Essays from a Farmer Philosopher documents Kirschenmann's evolution and his lifelong contributions to the new agrarianism in a collection of his greatest writings on farming, philosophy, and sustainability. Working closely with agricultural economist and editor Constance L. Falk, Kirschenmann recounts his intellectual and spiritual journey. In a unique blend of personal history, philosophical discourse, spiritual ruminations, and practical advice, Kirschenmann interweaves his insights with discussion of contemporary agrarian topics. This collection serves as an invaluable resource to agrarian scholars and introduces readers to an agricultural pioneer whose work has profoundly influenced modern thinking about food.
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- pp. xv-xvi
- Editor’s Introduction
- pp. 1-7
- On Behalf of American Farmers
- pp. 22-26
- Pilgrimage to a Barnyard
- pp. 27-29
- A Transcendent Vision
- pp. 40-47
- On Being an “Objective” Farmer
- pp. 71-77
- Being at Home
- pp. 78-91
- The Pleasure of Good Eating
- pp. 92-95
- A Journey toward Sustainability
- pp. 99-117
- Why American Agriculture Is Not Sustainable
- pp. 178-187
- What Constitutes Sound Science?
- pp. 188-203
- Food as Relationship
- pp. 214-225
- Placing the Pew Commission Report in Context
- pp. 235-237
- What’s an Education For?
- pp. 243-247
- Rediscovering American Agriculture
- pp. 262-270
- Spirituality and Cooperatives
- pp. 271-278
- On Becoming Lovers of the Soil
- pp. 284-289
- A Bright Future for “Farmers of the Middle”
- pp. 317-321
- Rethinking Food
- pp. 336-341
- Using What We Know to Make a Difference
- pp. 342-357
- Selected Bibliography
- pp. 387-394