Discover books similar to "The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture"

Wendell Berry

The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture

In "The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture," Wendell Berry explores the relationship between the decline of family farms and the deterioration of American culture. First published in 1977, the book is a passionate critique of industrial agriculture and its disastrous effects on the environment, rural communities, and the moral fabric of the nation. Berry argues that the shift from small-scale, diversified farming to large-scale, monoculture agriculture has led to the destruction of rural communities, the exploitation of farmworkers, and the degradation of the land. He contends that the values of industrialism, such as efficiency, productivity, and profit, have replaced the traditional values of thrift, husbandry, and stewardship, leading to a sense of alienation and rootlessness in modern American society. The book is divided into three parts. The first part, "The Agricultural Crisis," examines the history of American agriculture and the ways in which industrialization has undermined the health of the land and the people who work it. The second part, "The Industrialization of Agriculture," looks at the social and economic consequences of industrial agriculture, including the decline of rural communities and the rise of agribusiness. The final part, "The Future of Agriculture," offers a vision of a sustainable, diversified agriculture that is in harmony with the land and the people who work it. Berry's writing is both lyrical and forceful, and he draws on a wide range of sources, including literature, history, economics, and philosophy. He is a passionate advocate for the importance of place, community, and tradition, and his book is a powerful call to action for those who care about the future of agriculture and the health of the planet. "The Unsettling of America" is a classic of American environmental literature, and it remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published. It is a must-read for anyone concerned about the state of American agriculture and the future of rural communities...