ORIGINAL ENGLISH PASSAGE
Beyond a critical point within a finite space, freedom diminishes as numbers increase. This is as true of humans in the finite space of a planetary ecosystem as it is of gas molecules in a sealed flask. The human question is not how many can possibly survive within the system, but what kind of existence is possible for those who do survive.
While reading this passage
The ecology appendix considers population counts alongside quality of life. This is a question of freedom as much as carrying capacity.
Dune Saga Collection ↗
Frank Herbert
Appendix I · The Ecology of Dune
Selected from the supplied English EPUB. The commentary is Dunepedia’s reading note.