Part 3 of Lost Mountain

Wendell Berry describes two different types of mind sets. That of a rational mind and that of a sympathetic mind. When comparing the two, you see that they are very different in the way one thinks. A rational mind, tends to think with logic and facts, basing all decisions on statistics and factual bases. It is in a sense, a mathematical way of looking at things. On the other spectrum, a sympathetic mind makes decisions based on emotion and ethics. It uses some logic to make decisions, however, it takes into consideration the after-effects of decisions made and how they may effect others and their emotions. In the book, Reece was using a sympathetic mind in part three by discussing the emotional cues that he includes in these last few chapters. When reading the chapter on RFK (visiting appalachia), you can see that emotion and ethics played a huge role in the role play. RFK was very concerned with the health and finical incomes of those living in the area as well as living conditions. The effects of coal mining on the town was looked upon and what the damage in the future could be. Also, when Reece was filing the complaints at the Federal Office of Surface mining, he was concerned with the rights that the citizens of the area surrounding the coal mining sites had. He made sure he addressed the fact that the water contamination in these areas was causing damage to the health of the citizens and that the coal mining industry had an obligation in ensure the safety of those citizens. This shows that since Reece was mainly concerned with the ethics and emotions involved with those effected by coal mining, that he used a sympathetic mind set.
On page 242, in the first paragraph, Frank Lloyd Write stated, "The actual difference between ' individualism' and individuality of a true democracy lies in the difference between selfishness and noble self hood." (pg. 242) To me, this quote is basically saying that those who seek out to do right, regardless of their own self needs, truly make a difference in the world. Relating back to the book, Reece can be the perfect individual to base this quote on. Reece worked to fight against coal mining by bringing the topic out into the public. Not only be going to the Federal Office of Surface Mining and trying to change the way in which they stripe the mountains, but also by writing and publishing this book. This is an issue that many don't realize is happening, I myself was one of them. The coal industry is basing all of its decisions in a rational mindset, setting out for profit, and not caring about who it is hurting in the process. It's own selfish mindset is causing large environmental problems, but they ignore the side effects and continue on. If more people are made knowledgeable on this issue, and help to bring about change, then future environmental problems could be solved. But it will take those special individuals, like Reece, to do so.