Life Under the Tropical Canopy

The author also wants to show that the so-called progressive processes and methods of technological modernization, from the Spanish conquest on, have been "cataclysmic for the Maya" (129). The traditional spiritual and cultural beliefs and rituals are today in danger of elimination: "The young men, heads of new families, despite having heard of the spirits and rituals, do not believe in them and have never seen most of the traditional rites performed" (131). Kintz wants to show how these spiritual or supernatural rituals are not merely crude ceremonies performed by backward people who have divided their lives into the religious, the agricultural, the cultural, the environmental, etc. To the contrary, they are people who for generations upon generations have meticulously woven the various threads their lives together into a seamless fabric which is purposefully designed to adhere to a world view which produces a respectf

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vironment and reverse the "tragedy of the commons." The author shows how these people are "actually careful and effective resource managers." They are not always successful, but they are always adaptable and willing to learn, so that every "failure" leads to subsequent knowledge and success. Similarly, Kintz's book complements Stephen Lansing's book. Both works show the underlying cosmic, supernatural and/or spiritual values and beliefs which lead directly to both respect for and effective management of the environment so that both human beings and the natural world benefit. I agree completely with Kintz' findings. She has convinced me that the people and society she studied are not only fascinating and complex, but that they live lives which can serve as examples of effective and successful ways to interrelate spiritually and practically with the natural environment. Kintz has amazed me with the extent and intricacy of this people's knowledge of the natural world, and with their skill and adaptability in applying that environmental knowledge to every part of their lives. Above all, I am admirably impressed at how fully Kintz is able to demonstrate, with the ample evidence developed from her fieldwork, the holistic nature of t
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1686
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)