We are destroying the earth to survive. What is our moral responsibility? Daniel Quinn wrote a book about how things got to be the way they are. It looks at the meaning of the world and the destiny of human beings. Ishmael, the main character, is a teacher of vast wisdom, as well as being a Gorilla. Being no ordinary gorilla, Ishmael recognizes the failure of mankind in relation to its moral responsibilities. It ultimately directs use towards a solution to the problems we have created for the planet. Ishmael is trying to convey that mankind lives in such a way that it cannot last. Our vast numbers alone hinder our survival. Moral responsibility is a clear theme of this text. A great example is: "Among the people of your culture, who wants to destroy the world?" "That they want to destroy it? As far as I know, no one specifically wants to destroy the world." "And yet you destroy it, each of you. Each of you contributes daily to the destruction of the world." (Quinn, 1995:25)This quote is an eye opener, I don't know anyone who wants to destroy the earth. Most humans don't think too much about what is happening to the earth due to their actions. When most of us drive a car or spray air freshener we don't think about the consequences. It is the responsibility of those who create problems to help solve them and prevent them from happening again. In today's society it is... middle of paper ......stence.Ishmael emphasizes that people should learn from each other and that learning from one's peers is an important part of learning and living. If we did not learn from each other, the world would not thrive or be able to adapt to the changes brought by modern times. The moral responsibilities of human beings that the text highlights are essential to living a good life. The responsibilities discussed are important in teaching religious education. All teachers have a responsibility to develop in their pupils skills and qualities that are useful to their lives and the lives of others. Works Cited Quinn, D (1995), Ishmael, Bantam/Turner Book Publication. United Nations Educational (UNESCO 1995-2009) , Scientific and cultural education, Education for sustainable development Available at: http://www.unesco.org/en/esd/ (Access date 21/12/09)