[m000z0rz]

If you REALLY believe in this sentiment fueling this article, then you shouldn't ever do anything. "We've made mistakes, and we shouldn't do anything until we're perfect." Fine, lay down and die, and the rest of us will keep trying to be better, failing often, but improving gradually.

[ericd]

This type of opinion seems correlated with the idea that we also shouldn't reproduce, because people do too much damage to the environment. I'm always a bit baffled by it. Not only does it seem extremely self-loathing, but it also seems like a auto-extinguishing philosophy, because the people who hold it are much less likely to have children to spread it to, and will essentially be outcompeted by those who don't share it. It seems much better to have children but educate them on having a lighter footprint, and attempt to improve things out of proportion with their own impact.

[craftyguy]

> and will essentially be outcompeted by those who don't share it.

Only if you assume that this sentiment is genetic and not learned.

[ericd]

Nah, I'm assuming that kids are much more likely to learn this if their parents believe this than if their parents don't.