Myths of Human Ingenuity and Planetary Limits (notes)
@2025 J. Giro
Introduction Across history, every civilization has woven stories that explain its place in the cosmos and justify its ambitions. Contemporary industrial culture is no exception. Faced with mounting evidence that humanity is overshooting the Earth’s carrying capacity—whether through climate disruption, biodiversity loss, or resource depletion—we continue to invoke a repertoire of powerful narratives that promise salvation through innovation rather than transformation. These myths, while psychologically comforting and politically expedient, risk obscuring the material realities of a finite planet. This essay unpacks seven of the most influential myths, assesses their functions and flaws, and argues that genuine sustainability demands ecological humility, not technological hubris.
