Preserving unroaded wild landscapes in their natural condition by law has a distinctively American character. Led by a passionate citizen's movement, it appeals-in Lincoln's phrase-to the better angels of our nature, looking beyond narrow self-interest to future generations. Preserving wilderness is an idea that has, seemingly paradoxically, lifted our civilization to higher ground. It becomes more urgent as man's influence spreads across the Earth. The wilderness movement's moral center gives it credibility and political strength, and is a basic reason why it has been, by any measure, enormously successful.
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