Argument Summary
The main argument of the book Who Rules The Earth, written by Paul F. Steinberg is, in my opinion, that institutional change can make a difference. While individual action may seem like the only action that one is able to take, institutional change is the sort of change that can really affect things on a wider scale, but that institutional change must stem from an individual voice. In the end of the book, Steinberg states that “the people who rule the earth are those who leave behind a legacy of rules that snape the actions and opportunities of generations to come.” (Steinberg, 2015, 264), basically telling us that we can rule the earth ourselves if we are passionate enough to want to make bigger changes in society rather than micromanaging every little change we make when it comes to what we think of is best for the planet. In terms of using “big words”, as Professor Proctor always discourages, in a way Steinberg also discourages broad statements, and encourages narrow focus on one issue that will eventually make a difference in coming generations.
Steinberg also identifies another main argument in the beginning of his book. Rules govern every part of our lives, and even if one tries to escape them, they cannot. He begins to describe the experience one could have trying to escape these rules, “If you happen to live in the United States, you might jump in the car (which you can drive because you meet age and competency requirement), start the engine (likely assembled in Mexico as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement), and dart down the highway (thanks to the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956), driving, one would hope, on the required side of the road..” (Steinberg, 2015, 25), pointing out that literally no matter if we try to escape, there’s really no way out, especially if you’re an American because the United States is so regulated compared to a lot of less inhabited countries.
How Who Rules the Earth resonates with me
At first, it was hard to believe that Steinberg was trying to tell me. I’ve been learning about recycling my whole life! In fifth grade I learned the “reduce, reuse, recycle” song, and ever since then I’ve tried to do everything I could on a personal level. I thought every little thing helped. I guess Steinberg is not actively telling his readers not to recycle, but I have to admit I did get a little defensive about my own habits. In a way it momentarily discouraged me, but quickly I realized that instead of hopelessness, I should feel active! Learning how to make a true difference is what’s most important, instead of thinking that throwing a plastic bottle in the recycling bin will make a difference, I should instead work to change policy regarding plastic bottles. Academically, this book helped me to realize that sometimes things aren’t quite what they seem. I’m also not saying that I will blindly accept what Steinberg is saying without further research, but it seems important to me now to question previous knowledge. Steinberg took what I knew and threw it in the trash, not the recycling.
References
Steinberg, Paul F. 2015. Who Rules the Earth?: How Social Rules Shape Our Planet and Our Lives. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.