Living Within Limits by Alton Hardin

Ecology, Economics, and Population Taboos

A clear-eyed examination of the ecological and social realities of a finite planet, arguing that unchecked population and consumption inevitably strain carrying capacity. It analyzes commons dilemmas, the allure and danger of the growth imperative, and the ethical trade-offs of “lifeboat” scenarios to show why freedom must be balanced by responsibility and institutional constraints. The book urges embracing explicit limits, “mutual coercion” for the common good, and cultural shifts that confront taboos around reproduction and consumption to achieve long-term sustainability.