Sage Hill Principles |
There are a few small acres here at Sage Hill. The altitude is high and the climate arid. We
propose to get a subsistence living from these acres and, when we depart, to leave it in
better condition than we found it. To accomplish this, we agree to adhere to the following
principles to the extent that it is physically and morally possible.
1. Respect/Reverence – We do not regard ourselves as entities separate and apart
from the biological community. The “community” consists of the earth itself, plant life,
animal life, and human life. If the health of one component suffers, all suffer. We, as humans,
bring here our human heritage which we intend to philosophically examine for its consistency
with the perception of community. The assumptions on which contemporary American
society is predicated need to be scrutinized as to whether they are conducive to respect
and reverence for all life and planetary systems. To achieve this, we must be aware of the
long view of our actions with consideration for water and rock cycles, seasonal cycles,
microclimates, altitude, latitude, and local land forms. The land itself must teach us.
We must observe carefully, think locally and act locally. The rest of the planet will have to
take care of itself.
2. Simplicity – Consumption for its own sake is a value we withdraw from. We eschew
waste in any form whether water, goods, time or relationships. We discard as little as
possible and refrain from purchasing and using “disposables.” We recognize that simple
living provides freedom from excess, competition with others and more space and time to
enjoy that which we do value. Essentially, less is more; less noise, more peace, less artificial
light, more stars, less stuff, more leisure.
3. Quality – When the value of quality is applied to the goods we use, the time and
effort we invest and the relationships we foster, respect and simplicity are inherent in our
choices. The products we make and grow will testify to our devotion to quality and to each
other.
4. Aesthetics – an essential element to quality living is the joy that results in living with
beauty. Our quest for simplicity and quality will be enriched by the marriage of form and
function like a beautifully sculptured wooden spoon that pleasures the cook each time it is
used. While it does the job, it cradles the hand, eases the work and pleases the eye.
5. Biological Diversity – A rich diversity of species is critically important for the
health of the biotic community. Intricate webs of interdependence are irreparably harmed
by destroying a particular species in favor of another. We commit ourselves to creating a
hospitable environment for all other species endemic to this climate while securing our own
place in it. For instance, rattlesnakes are native to this region. Where they do not present a
clear danger to our persons or livestock, they will be unmolested. If they venture near to the
house and yards, they will be dispatched as quickly and humanely as possible. Similarly,
coyotes are native to this area. Ranging on the perimeter of our homestead, they will not
be molested but if they attempt to harm our domestic animals, they too will be dispatched
as humanely as possible. Beyond protecting our own simple survival interests, predators
will not be harmed.
6. Hospitality – We want to provide a welcoming and safe haven for humans who
share our values and need the solace our home may provide. The same is true for other
species. For example, for migratory birds, we provide clean water, safe nesting,
seed feeders and protection from predators to a reasonable extent. Our resident rabbit
population is welcome as long as we can deter them from preying on the garden.
Likewise, deer and antelope are treasured as long as they can be deterred from grazing in
the vineyard.
7. Humor – Despite the grave condition the Mother Gaia finds herself in, She exhorts
us to laugh at ourselves, to take joy in the beauty of the goldfinches and the growing corn
and tomatoes. Our time here is very brief and She will not miss us once we’re gone. So
many things do not matter nearly so much as we think they do.
propose to get a subsistence living from these acres and, when we depart, to leave it in
better condition than we found it. To accomplish this, we agree to adhere to the following
principles to the extent that it is physically and morally possible.
1. Respect/Reverence – We do not regard ourselves as entities separate and apart
from the biological community. The “community” consists of the earth itself, plant life,
animal life, and human life. If the health of one component suffers, all suffer. We, as humans,
bring here our human heritage which we intend to philosophically examine for its consistency
with the perception of community. The assumptions on which contemporary American
society is predicated need to be scrutinized as to whether they are conducive to respect
and reverence for all life and planetary systems. To achieve this, we must be aware of the
long view of our actions with consideration for water and rock cycles, seasonal cycles,
microclimates, altitude, latitude, and local land forms. The land itself must teach us.
We must observe carefully, think locally and act locally. The rest of the planet will have to
take care of itself.
2. Simplicity – Consumption for its own sake is a value we withdraw from. We eschew
waste in any form whether water, goods, time or relationships. We discard as little as
possible and refrain from purchasing and using “disposables.” We recognize that simple
living provides freedom from excess, competition with others and more space and time to
enjoy that which we do value. Essentially, less is more; less noise, more peace, less artificial
light, more stars, less stuff, more leisure.
3. Quality – When the value of quality is applied to the goods we use, the time and
effort we invest and the relationships we foster, respect and simplicity are inherent in our
choices. The products we make and grow will testify to our devotion to quality and to each
other.
4. Aesthetics – an essential element to quality living is the joy that results in living with
beauty. Our quest for simplicity and quality will be enriched by the marriage of form and
function like a beautifully sculptured wooden spoon that pleasures the cook each time it is
used. While it does the job, it cradles the hand, eases the work and pleases the eye.
5. Biological Diversity – A rich diversity of species is critically important for the
health of the biotic community. Intricate webs of interdependence are irreparably harmed
by destroying a particular species in favor of another. We commit ourselves to creating a
hospitable environment for all other species endemic to this climate while securing our own
place in it. For instance, rattlesnakes are native to this region. Where they do not present a
clear danger to our persons or livestock, they will be unmolested. If they venture near to the
house and yards, they will be dispatched as quickly and humanely as possible. Similarly,
coyotes are native to this area. Ranging on the perimeter of our homestead, they will not
be molested but if they attempt to harm our domestic animals, they too will be dispatched
as humanely as possible. Beyond protecting our own simple survival interests, predators
will not be harmed.
6. Hospitality – We want to provide a welcoming and safe haven for humans who
share our values and need the solace our home may provide. The same is true for other
species. For example, for migratory birds, we provide clean water, safe nesting,
seed feeders and protection from predators to a reasonable extent. Our resident rabbit
population is welcome as long as we can deter them from preying on the garden.
Likewise, deer and antelope are treasured as long as they can be deterred from grazing in
the vineyard.
7. Humor – Despite the grave condition the Mother Gaia finds herself in, She exhorts
us to laugh at ourselves, to take joy in the beauty of the goldfinches and the growing corn
and tomatoes. Our time here is very brief and She will not miss us once we’re gone. So
many things do not matter nearly so much as we think they do.
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