Image of the Ecologically Literate Person (excerpt from "Ecological Literacy as the First Imperative") Dr. Tom Puk

The ecologically literate person of the 21st century will be considered as the responsible, lifelong learner who strives to improve the human condition and the environment within the context of self, human groups, the biosphere and the ecosphere. This person will find purpose and meaning for life by continuously aspiring to higher levels of balanced growth, in his or her cognitive, affective, psychomotor, reflective, intuitive, aesthetic, social, creative and spiritual capabilities. The development of these qualities will be conducted in the pursuit of significant life work.
In order to accomplish this overriding aim, he or she would:

. become an inquirer by actively securing the basic skills and knowledge (i.e., knowledge of the relationships found within the ecosphere, among the components of solar energy, the air, water, soil, rocks, flora and fauna, people, animals and all other organisms and components, both biotic and abiotic) that facilitate the carrying out of ecological responsibilities. This knowledge and skill will empower the individual to reach her or his own potential and place in human and natural environments.

. become a reflective learner by acquiring the understanding of the value and limitations of human knowledge, the power and limitations of the natural world, the role of intuition in real life pursuits, and the role of self as it is manifested in one's personal narrative.

. become intelligently self-directed by engaging in self-appraisal, setting new learning objectives, developing plans to achieve those objectives, carrying out such plans in a flexible inquiry-oriented manner, while reflecting on the whole process.

. become a morally responsible person by governing personal action with precepts which contribute to the maintenance and growth of the relationships that give life meaning. Such precepts would include responsibility for helping others, seeking justice and equality for all, performing legitimately assigned roles to the best of one's ability, and living in harmony with other people and with nature.

. become an ecologically responsible person by embodying ecological ideals in daily
operations and by living in the most competent, informed manner allowed by natural capabilities.

. seek self-transcendence by moving beyond the limitations of personal ego by identifying with human groups (past and future), ecological principles, flora and fauna and the ecosphere, that transcend the individual life in scope and time.

The ecologically literate person of the 21st century will have a positive view of life, grounded in the faith that each person has within himself/herself some elements which connects them with a universal and timeless energy, and has the capacity to competently perform significant life work, and its related tasks and responsibilities. Such a view will enable this person to look upon the human experience positively, and all living things compassionately.