EDITOR'S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer and not of Ottawa News Network.

Imagine a pasture dedicated to the production of wool, which optimally feeds 1,000 sheep. Less sheep than that, and some grass goes uneaten. More than 1,000, and the total wool produced decreases because the underfed sheep are not as robust.

Suppose that the pasture is shared by ten shepherds, each with 100 sheep. All goes well until one shepherd realizes that by doubling his herd to 200, although the total wool output decreases, his own wool production will increase. So he acts in his own self-interest.

Soon, the other shepherds realize what he has done and so increase their herds to 200 as well. What’s the final result? By each shepherd acting in his own best interest, they all lose. This truth is called “Tragedy of the Commons.”

A corollary is that to optimize the general welfare, folks need to form agreements, to compromise, to work together. This was a central theme of W.E. Deming (Japan’s Deming Prize) when he visited Hope College in 1993 shortly before his death. His point: Instead of competing for limited resources, work together to “enlarge the pie.” That is, “win-win” situations are possible through innovative thinking and cooperation.

Sadly, in the past few years, we have seen many (local and national) who don’t understand and appreciate this truth.

Any politician who claims, “Your money is best kept in your own pocket” doesn’t understand Tragedy of the Commons. Here in Ottawa County, our lives are better because we all contribute a little towards our great county parks. If we kept all our money to ourselves, we’d all lose.

Wearing masks during COVID provided a great example. Those who wore masks were protecting the community by:

• i) reducing their own risk of illness
• ii) reducing the risk of spreading it
• iii) serving as a role model for others to do the same

However, masks were uncomfortable and bothersome. Thus, it would have been in my own selfish best interest for everyone else to wear a mask, but not me. Those who wore masks, then, showed they understood Tragedy of the Commons — everyone acting unselfishly for the greater good.

Firearms are another example. In nations which outlaw handguns, the number of violent deaths is a fraction of that in the U.S. where we are trained to think selfishly of our own rights. However, admittedly, it might be optimal for an individual if he were the only one to carry a firearm for protection. Thus, we have seen Tragedy of the Commons play out in tragic fashion in the U.S. as everyone acts in their own self-interest rather than as part of a greater community.

Those who don’t understand Tragedy of the Commons, but instead act in their own selfish interest, hurt everyone. It’s no coincidence that those opposed to wearing masks during the COVID pandemic are largely the same as those who promote carrying firearms. And it’s no coincidence that Ottawa County is now spending a million dollars and counting in lawsuits and litigation because of the decisions of those who didn’t understand the wisdom of compromise and working together. Lose-lose.

Nationally, vaccinations are a prime example. Whether it be measles, COVID or other communicable diseases, our entire population benefits by everyone having vaccine resistance. Yes, there is a minuscule chance of a slight reaction when inoculated. Thus, it’s best for me if everyone but me got vaccinated. Then disease won’t spread, but I incur no personal risk or inconvenience. But if everyone made that choice, we’d all lose. Only by living and acting in community do we win.

Taxes provide yet another case in point. A strong and effective IRS ensures that everyone (especially the rich) pays their share of taxes. Reducing IRS personnel invites Tragedy of the Commons as people may act with impunity by shrinking from their responsibility.

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Internationally, free trade and curbing CO2 emissions via renewable energy are ways nations can work together for the world’s betterment. Tariffs and continuing fossil fuel (especially coal) production lead to everyone losing as each nation looks to itself.

This is why, after the collapse of the USSR, George H.W. Bush spoke eloquently of the “New World Order.” He realized we could all be winners if we acted cooperatively. Indeed, we will all live better when we understand the truth of John Donne that no man is an island. Our lives are interwoven. Maybe, just maybe, like the shepherds, we all win or we all lose together.

— Community Columnist Tim Pennings is a resident of Holland and can be contacted at timothy.pennings@gmail.com. Previous columns can be found at timothypennings.blogspot.com.