"A humbling blow to our arrogant outlook, ecology reveals that humans – who conceive of themselves as the most autonomous and exalted forms of life – are entirely dependent upon the natural world, biodiversity, and in particular, the crucial role nonhuman animals play in maintaining and enriching nature. Indeed, earthworms, dung beetles, butterflies, and bees are far more important to the integrity and diversity of nature than humans are – the latter being the only species one could remove from earth ecosystems with positive effect. From an ecological perspective, humans are an overpopulated, parasitic swarm, living in total ignorance of natural "laws" they foolishly think they can master, but in truth must conform to and harmonize with if they intend to survive."