A number or more accurately a weight that if exceeded will cause the plane to be unsafe.
Our arms also have a carrying capacity.
We can build our muscles slowly over time to increase what they can carry.
But there is a limit.
What about our planet, Earth?
We have always viewed it as an unlimited resource ripe for our use.
It also has a carrying capacity that cannot be exceeded.
The packed cities of Europe give a clue of carrying capacity of the land.
They sent explorers to distant lands to find resources.
Settlers/pilgrims flocked to the New World with the promise of land.
They killed and enslaved those who lived here and took their land.
But the land is not infinite. Nor are Earth's resources.
Many lifting together can carry a larger load than one.
Perhaps with enough of us, we can stem the tide of resource consumption.
We can limit ourselves and act in the best interests of all.
It will require thinking of more than just ourselves.
Photo by Ian Macharia on Unsplash