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Toward a vision of a sustainable society

Human beings share the Earth with many other species; we are both dependent and interdependent. We recognize that human beings around the world also share many needs and hopes for themselves and their children:

• clean water and air;
• fertile soil and good food;
• safety from poverty and disease;
• an optimum population size;
• respect, love and a gentle touch;
• music, laughter and the peace of prayer;
• social contact and a sense of community;
• a livelihood and a healthy economy;
• to learn and grow in understanding;
• the wonder and discipline of nature;
• work, rest and celebration; and
• to become one with the Earth.

From: Canadian Choices for Transitions to Sustainability. Ottawa : Projet de société. Final draft, May 1995. Chapter 1.

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