What Are People For?: Essays

In the twenty-two essays collected here, Wendell Berry, whom The Christian Science Monitor called "the prophetic American voice of our day," conveys a deep concern for the American economic system and the gluttony of consumerism

Wendell Berry identifies himself as both "a farmer of sorts and an artist of sorts," which he deftly illustrates in the scope of these essays. Ranging from America’s insatiable consumerism and household economies, to literary subjects and America’s attitude toward waste, Berry gracefully navigates from one topic to the next, discussing the ills plaguing America and the growing gap between people and the land. Despite the somber nature of these writings, his inimitable voice and prose provide an underlying sense of faith and hope.

Framing his reflections with poetic responsibility, and standing up as a firm believer in the power of the human race, Berry encourages all of us to not only to fix our past mistakes but to build on Earth a sustainable future for all.