The Unsettling of America

“I can only insist that my book is not for that reason out-of-date.”

While specific policies and political figures, such as Earl. L. Butz, have changed, the deeper cultural and systematic issues surrounding agriculture remain relevant. Berry argues that the book addresses enduring problems rooted in the value and power dynamics of agribusiness, which continue to affect farming and rural life, making his critique timeless rather than tied to specific individuals or policies.

“Are we, or are we not, going to take proper care of our land? And do we, or do we not, believe in a democratic distribution of usable property?”

These rhetorical questions directly challenge readers, urging them to confront the broader moral and societal issues at stake in agriculture. By framing the questions in this way, he invites readers to reflect on their own values and the collective responsibility for land stewardship and equitable property distribution. The questions emphasize the urgency of these issues, making the text more engaging by encouraging active consideration and inspiring critical thought about the future of the land and society.

“Air remains the only necessity that the average user can still get for himself, and the revolution has imposed a heavy tax on that by way of pollution.”

Berry adopts a biting, critical tone to emphasize the extent of environmental degradation resulting from industrial practices. He highlights how the exploitive systems he critiques have commodified or compromised basic human needs that were once freely available. This critical tone reflects Berry’s broader condemnation of how modern society’s values and economic practices have detrimental effects on both the environment and human life.