Preservation ― Evidence In Human Behavior
Preservation Evidence Article #2
On their website, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service1 has a good summary of why we should save species from extinction. It writes:
Why save the species? Congress addresses this question in the preamble to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, recognizing that endangered and threatened species of wildlife and plants "are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people."
In this statement, Congress summarized convincing arguments made by scientists, conservationists, and others who are concerned by the disappearance of unique creatures. Congress further stated its intent that the Act should conserve the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend.
Some of the many specific reasons to invest money and effort into actions to conserve species threatened by extinction include:
- Benefits of natural diversity
- Contributions to medicine
- Biodiversity and agriculture
- Environmental monitors
- Ecosystem services
- Other economic values
- Intangible values
Although the arguments are constructive and make sense, it is not the purpose of this writing to agree or disagree with the value of endeavors. The intent is to discover and reveal obvious evidence that our brainbody is constantly engaged in the processes of preservation. The Principle of Continuity, constructed of Preservation and Replenishment, is at the forefront of all human activity.
Our attempts to describe the benefits of natural diversity, species contributions to medicine, ecosystem effects, etc., all lead to the same conclusion: If we do not preserve, change threatens our ecosystems and therefore, ultimately, the extinction of humankind. Threat to humankind refers, potentially, to our own individual survival.
The Principle of Continuity requires preservation and, therefore, replenishment of environmental resources and constructs. Our brainbody is constantly engaged in these two processes to ensure individual continuity.
NOAA2 Fisheries, for example, provides science-based conservation and management for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine mammals, endangered species, and their habitats. The same human activity can be observed in architectural restorations, the building of Smithsonian institutions, creation of national parks, libraries of all kinds and restoration and preservation of artworks, etc.
Brainbody impressions (life experiences) are also governed by the Principles of Continuity, Preservation and Replenishment. Our life's goal is to preserve and enhance our individual beliefs and perceived truths, habits, lifestyle wants and needs. Preservation (resistance to biological and physiological change) and replenishment drives us toward assurance of continuity. Continuity equals survival.
"Why are you polishing the guitar?", the daughter asks of her father. "So that it looks like new, and the wax preserve its finish," he replied.
References:
1 https://fws.gov/endangered/species/why-save-species.html
2 https://www.noaa.gov/fisheries
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The Principle of Preservation
