There is no doubt that humans and their relationship with the wilderness and environment is constantly changing both positively and negatively. These relationships throughout time demonstrate different connections and approaches to the way this relationship will function which is influenced by the people and their motives at a given time. Something that stood out to me in this reading is these transitions how we as humans apply morals to the wilderness, and how we justify conquering and destruction towards the environment. Humans tend to excuse behavior, especially when it comes to something that they believe ¨had¨ to be done or went along with their morals. It is human nature to justify behavior with the mindset of superiority; when it comes to the wilderness some individuals believe that it is our right as superiors to dominate the wilderness. The text specifically states, ¨-We as humans tend to excuse our behavior and attempt to justify it. By imagining that our true home is in the wilderness, we forgive ourselves for the homes we inhabit.¨ (Page 12) With this in mind, I wanted to look into the psychology behind justification and how we use self-justification to permit us to harm the environment continually. The psychological theory behind this is cognitive dissonance, which causes us to justify regardless of the severity of our actions when experiencing two inconsistent cognitions. Cognitive dissonance is particularly felt when inconsistent beliefs and behaviors are pressurized and conflict with our ¨self-image, positive view of self, or worldview.¨ ( Psych Central) Humans will develop a way to ignore and dismiss data that dismisses their beliefs as a way of maintaining and strengthening their thought process. We do this when it comes to the environment when we are completely aware of our harmful effects in terms of carbon emissions, deforestation, biodiversity extinction, etc. Being aware and staying aware is extremely important in improving our relationship with the wilderness.