The Unsettling of America | Wendell Berry | Cliff Note Books
“The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture” is a seminal work by author Wendell Berry, first published in 1977. It explores the relationship between culture and agriculture, critiquing the industrialization of farming and the consequences it has on society, the environment, and the future of food production.
In the book, Berry argues that the shift towards large-scale, industrial agriculture has led to a disconnection between people and the land, resulting in the decline of rural communities, environmental degradation, and a loss of cultural values. He contends that this approach to farming treats the land as a mere commodity, rather than a living, interconnected system that requires care and stewardship.
Berry advocates for a return to small-scale, sustainable, and community-based agriculture, which he believes would foster a deeper connection to the land and a more fulfilling way of life. He asserts that this kind of farming is not only more ecologically responsible but also more economically viable in the long run.
Throughout the book, Berry offers insights on topics like agribusiness, monoculture, the Green Revolution, and consumer culture. He also provides a historical perspective on the development of American agriculture and its influence on society.
In summary, “The Unsettling of America” is a thoughtful and influential critique of industrial agriculture and its effects on culture, environment, and community. Wendell Berry’s call for a return to sustainable, small-scale farming practices continues to resonate with readers interested in the future of food and agriculture.
QUOTES
“The soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all. It is the healer and restorer and resurrector, by which disease passes into health, age into youth, death into life.”
“A culture is not a collection of relics or ornaments, but a practical necessity, and its corruption invokes calamity. A healthy culture is a communal order of memory, insight, value, work, conviviality, reverence, aspiration.”
“The care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy and, after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope.”
“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”
“To husband is to use with care, to keep, to save, to make last, to conserve. Old usage tells us that there is a husbandry also of the land, of the soil, of the domestic plants and animals—obviously because of the importance of these things to the household.”
“Industrial agriculture characteristically proceeds by single solutions, which, in turn, cause problems to multiply.”
“The smaller the world the better, for in a small world a man can get the care and help of his neighbors.”
AUTHOR
Wendell Berry is an American novelist, poet, essayist, environmental activist, cultural critic, and farmer. Born on August 5, 1934, in Henry County, Kentucky, he comes from a long line of farmers. Berry grew up in a close-knit rural community, which would later serve as a significant influence on his writings and philosophy.
He pursued higher education at the University of Kentucky, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1956 and a Master’s degree in 1957. Berry then went on to receive a Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University, where he studied creative writing under the mentorship of the renowned author Wallace Stegner.
In 1960, Berry published his first novel, “Nathan Coulter,” which introduced readers to the fictional community of Port William, Kentucky. This town would become the setting for many of his later works, including novels, short stories, and poems. Throughout his career, Berry has written more than 40 books, ranging from fiction and poetry to essays on agriculture, ecology, and culture.
Wendell Berry’s non-fiction work often explores the relationship between humans and the environment, with a particular focus on the importance of sustainable agriculture and the impact of industrial farming on rural communities. His seminal work, “The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture,” published in 1977, critiques the industrialization of agriculture and calls for a return to small-scale, sustainable farming practices.
In addition to his writing, Berry has been a lifelong advocate for environmental stewardship, rural communities, and sustainable agriculture. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the National Humanities Medal, the Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award, and the Sidney Lanier Prize for Southern Literature.
Wendell Berry continues to live and work on his farm in Henry County, Kentucky, where he practices the principles of sustainable agriculture and land stewardship that he passionately advocates for in his writings.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Connection between culture and agriculture: Berry emphasizes that agriculture is deeply intertwined with culture, and that the changes in farming practices have a profound impact on society, values, and our relationship with the land.
Critique of industrial agriculture: The book criticizes the industrialization of agriculture, arguing that it has led to the decline of rural communities, environmental degradation, and a loss of cultural values. Industrial agriculture is seen as treating the land as a commodity, rather than a living, interconnected system.
The importance of small-scale, sustainable farming: Berry advocates for a return to small-scale, sustainable, and community-based agriculture, which he believes would foster a deeper connection to the land and a more fulfilling way of life. This type of farming is considered more ecologically responsible and economically viable in the long run.
The role of consumer culture: The book examines how consumer culture contributes to the problems of industrial agriculture, as it encourages the detachment from the sources of our food and prioritizes convenience over sustainability.
Historical perspective on American agriculture: Berry provides a historical context for the development of American agriculture, tracing its transformation from small-scale farming to large-scale industrial production and discussing the consequences of this shift.
Stewardship and responsibility: One of the central themes in the book is the importance of stewardship and responsibility in our relationship with the land. Berry argues that we must care for the earth as a living system and recognize our role in its conservation and renewal.
The potential for positive change: Despite his critique of industrial agriculture, Berry remains hopeful that people can make positive changes by embracing sustainable farming practices and fostering a deeper connection with the land and their communities.
SUMMARIES
- Introduction
- The Unsettling of America
- The Ecological Crisis as a Crisis of Character
- The Agricultural Crisis as a Crisis of Culture
- Living in the Future: The “Modern” Agricultural Ideal
- The Use of Energy
- The Body and the Earth
- Margins
- The Farming of Cities
- The Exploiters and the Exploited
- The Conservation of Nature and the Preservation of Humanity
- The Specialist and the Inquirer
- The Agricultural Crisis as a Crisis of Agriculture
- The Redemption of the Creation
Introduction: In the introduction, Berry lays the groundwork for the book, explaining his motivation for writing and providing an overview of the main themes. He emphasizes the deep connection between culture and agriculture and the importance of understanding this relationship in order to address the ecological and cultural crises.
The Unsettling of America: This chapter discusses the impact of industrial agriculture on rural communities and the environment. Berry argues that the shift towards large-scale, mechanized farming has led to the decline of rural communities, environmental degradation, and a loss of cultural values, causing an “unsettling” of America.
The Ecological Crisis as a Crisis of Character: Berry posits that the ecological crisis is, at its core, a crisis of character. He contends that the degradation of the environment is a result of people’s detachment from the land and their unwillingness to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
The Agricultural Crisis as a Crisis of Culture: In this chapter, Berry explores the idea that the agricultural crisis is, in fact, a crisis of culture. He argues that industrial agriculture has led to a decline in the cultural values that once governed farming, such as stewardship, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land. As a result, the agricultural crisis reflects a broader cultural crisis.
Living in the Future: The “Modern” Agricultural Ideal: This chapter critiques the “modern” agricultural ideal, which prioritizes efficiency, productivity, and technological advancement over environmental stewardship and community well-being. Berry questions the sustainability of this approach and suggests that it has led to the degradation of both the land and the human spirit.
The Use of Energy: In this chapter, Berry examines the role of energy consumption in industrial agriculture. He argues that the heavy reliance on fossil fuels and large-scale machinery has led to a system that is both environmentally damaging and unsustainable. Berry contrasts this with traditional, small-scale farming practices that use energy more efficiently and in harmony with natural processes.
The Body and the Earth: Berry explores the connection between human health and the health of the land in this chapter. He argues that the degradation of the environment due to industrial agriculture has direct consequences on human health, as it affects the quality of the food we consume. Berry emphasizes the importance of nurturing both our bodies and the earth, as they are deeply interconnected.
Margins: This chapter focuses on the concept of margins in agriculture, both literally and metaphorically. Berry discusses the importance of maintaining margins in farming—such as field borders, hedgerows, and buffer zones—which provide habitats for wildlife and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. He also argues for the need to respect the margins in our lives, allowing for a balance between work and leisure, and for fostering a sense of community and connection.
The Farming of Cities: In this chapter, Berry addresses the issue of urbanization and its impact on agriculture. He contends that the growth of cities and the subsequent loss of farmland have further exacerbated the problems associated with industrial agriculture. Berry calls for a reevaluation of urban planning and development, with a focus on creating sustainable, self-sufficient communities that are connected to the land.
The Exploiters and the Exploited: This chapter examines the power dynamics within the industrial agricultural system. Berry argues that the system is characterized by exploitation, both of the land and of the farmers themselves. He critiques the agribusiness corporations that prioritize profit over the well-being of farmers, consumers, and the environment, and emphasizes the need for a more just and equitable agricultural system.
The Conservation of Nature and the Preservation of Humanity: In this chapter, Berry emphasizes the importance of conserving nature and preserving humanity by reevaluating our relationship with the land. He argues that to ensure a sustainable future, we must prioritize environmental stewardship, sustainable farming practices, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living systems.
The Specialist and the Inquirer: Berry critiques the specialization of knowledge in this chapter, arguing that it has led to a fragmented understanding of agriculture and the environment. He suggests that this narrow perspective is partly responsible for the problems associated with industrial agriculture. Berry calls for a more holistic approach to learning and understanding, one that appreciates the interconnectedness of various disciplines and encourages inquiry and curiosity.
The Agricultural Crisis as a Crisis of Agriculture: In this chapter, Berry asserts that the agricultural crisis is not only a crisis of culture and character but also a crisis of the agricultural system itself. He critiques the industrial agricultural model for its focus on short-term productivity at the expense of long-term sustainability, and he encourages a return to more sustainable and responsible farming practices.
The Redemption of the Creation: In the final chapter, Berry offers a hopeful vision for the future, suggesting that we can redeem the damaged land and culture by embracing sustainable agriculture and nurturing our connections to the earth and our communities. He encourages readers to take responsibility for their actions, engage in stewardship, and actively work towards creating a more just and sustainable world.