Forest Forever

Decomposition seemed as violent—the collapse of leaf structures, cells breaking down, liquefaction of solid wood into a mold squirming with lively bacteria and animalcula seething and transforming into energy. Yes, and insects and larvae, worms and rodents and everywhere the famous ants who ruled the tropics. He almost understood how the incomprehensible richness of Amazonia made humans clutch and rend in maenadic frenzies of destruction. Such a forest was an affront, standing there smirking, aloof from its destiny of improving men’s lives.

Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These include provisioning services such as supply of food and water; regulating services such as climate regulation, flood and disease control; cultural services such as spiritual, recreational, and cultural benefits; and supporting services, such as nutrient cycling, that maintain the conditions for life on Earth.

Shall I not have intelligence with the earth?  Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself?