The Myth of the Tragedy of the Commons

The "Tragedy of the Commons" is a concept that describes how individuals, acting in their own self-interest, can over-exploit shared resources, leading to depletion and harm for all. However, some argue this idea oversimplifies the problem, ignoring the role of community governance and cooperation in resource management. Instead of inevitable ruin, successful management often arises from collective strategies and social norms that encourage sustainable use. Hence, the myth lies in assuming that humans cannot manage shared resources effectively, overlooking real-world examples of successful communal stewardship.