In his book "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," Bill Bryson reflects on his return to America after two decades and highlights the discrepancies in how society values natural resources. He cites economist Herman Daly's critique of the national accounting system, which suggests that it views the earth merely as an asset in decline rather than a sustainable entity. This perspective raises issues about our environmental policies and economic practices.

Bryson's observations underscore the importance of reevaluating our approach to nature and resources. By framing the earth as if it were a business being liquidated, we risk ignoring the long-term consequences of our actions on the environment. The need for a shift towards more thoughtful and sustainable practices becomes evident as we confront the challenges posed by climate change and resource depletion.