One Straw Revolution evaluation

Olivia Nordman

ENGL 102-037

Professor Melissa Santos

9 April 2018

            In the book One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka, he describes the art of farming and the bit of knowledge humans have on food and eating. After his many years of traveling and all of his experiences with agriculture, he is very wise. He lived his life to the fullest as he was farming until the very end of his life. If it has anything to do with agriculture, farming, the environment, you name it, The One Straw Revolution probably mentions it. Fukuoka describes the way us humans underestimate the limits of agriculture and our own environments. He describes the way we look at local vs. processed foods, farming, nature, and nutrition. I found it very interesting how he goes through his “do-nothing” approach. He believes in all natural environments that are the least harmful to what grows in them, and humans as well. An example of this method is described as, “Grow a soft, fat rice plant in a flooded field and you get a plant easily attacked by insects and disease. If ‘improved’ seed varieties are used one must rely on the help of chemical insecticides and fertilizer. On the other hand, if you grow a small, sturdy plant in a healthy environment, these chemicals are unnecessary” (Fukuoka 167). Fukuoka strongly believes in a healthier way of living, which was very intriguing to me. His idea is that there is a more natural way to appreciate naturals cycles is very inspiring. It made me want to learn more about where my local produce comes from and all the processes these fruits and vegetable go through before they are sent to the farmers markets. He lets the plants reseed and basically do everything themselves and puts in as little effort as possible. It sounds strange, but this is the natural processes the plants are supposed to go through. I read a lot of review on this book and all of them rated it very highly, some even said it was the more influencing and enlightening book they have ever read. I would recommend this book to anyone that has a passion for nature, agriculture, farming, or all three. I find it very helpful also if you even just wants to learn more about these topics.

http://www.onestrawrevolution.net/One_Straw_Revolution/Article_Future_Is_Abundant.html