Hardin's theorem

Hardin’s theorem explains how individuals acting in their own self-interest can lead to the overuse or depletion of shared resources—what’s called the "tragedy of the commons." It states that unless there’s some regulation, control, or shared agreement, each person will continue exploiting the resource, eventually causing it to vanish or become unavailable for everyone. This happens because individual incentives favor short-term gain, even if it harms the collective good in the long run. The theorem highlights the importance of managing shared resources to prevent their exhaustion and ensure sustainable use.