"Ruin is the destination toward which all men rush, each pursuing his own best interest in a society that believes in the freedom of the commons"

This quote by Garrett Hardin suggests that in a society that thinks in the freedom of the commons, all people are driven by their own self-interest and are ultimately headed towards ruin. This is since when everyone is complimentary to pursue their own interests, it can result in over-exploitation of resources and an absence of obligation for the cumulative good. Hardin's quote implies that if people are not held accountable for their actions, the society as a whole will suffer. This is why it is very important for people to be familiar with the repercussions of their actions and to take obligation for the cumulative great. By doing so, individuals can help to guarantee that the society as a whole does not hurry towards destroy.