“Rats and roaches live by competition under the law of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy. It is impossible not to notice how little the proponents of the ideal of competition have to say about honesty, which is the fundamental economic virtue, and how very little they have to say about community, compassion, and mutual help.”

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About Wendell Berry

American poet and farmer, born 1934. He is best known for his lyrical essays on rural life, sustainability, and ecological responsibility, blending poetry with practical wisdom. His work often critiques industrial agriculture and advocates for small-scale farming as a moral and environmental necessity.

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