Human Morality and Ecomorality

Abstract The chapter’s Narrative and Reflections, which are merged, first consider how human morality derives from our communal sensibilities as a social lineage. Religious traditions mold these sensibilities into aspirational mindful virtues—compassion, fair-mindedness, reverence, and courage—that are pitted against our tendencies to be self-serving, proactively aggressive, and xenophobic. Particular attention is given to war and racism. The virtues can be broadened in scope to become eco-virtues—respecting, cherishing, nurturing, and celebrating that from which we have come and upon which we depend—sensibilities that are prominent in indigenous and Asian traditions. Ecomoral practices are suggested, and the chapter closes with a tribute to the sustainable life-styles of the lichens.