# The Serviceberry

- Author: [Robin Wall Kimmerer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robin-wall-kimmerer.md)
- Quotes: 5
- Book page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/robin-wall-kimmerer/the-serviceberry

## Quotes

> Regenerative economies that reciprocate the gift are the only path forward. To replenish the possibility of mutual flourishing, for birds and berries and people, we need an economy that shares the gifts of the Earth, following the lead of our oldest teachers, the plants. They invite us all into the circle to give our human gifts in return for all we are given. How will we answer?

> If the Sun is the source of flow in the economy of nature, what is the "Sun" of a human gift economy, the source that constantly replenishes the flow of gifts? Maybe it is love.

> There is no formula complex enough to hold the birthplace of stories.

> The guidelines of the Honorable Harvest are not usually written down, they are reinforced in small acts of daily life. But if I were to list them they would look something like this:
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> Know the ways of the ones who take care of you, so that you can take care of them.
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> Introduce yourself. Be accountable as the one who comes asking for a life.
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> Ask permission before taking. Abide by the answer.
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> Never take the first one. Never take the last.
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> Take only what you need.
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> Take only that which is given.
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> Never take more than half. Leave some for others.
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> Harvest in a way that minimizes harm.:
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> Use it respectfully. Never waste what you have taken.
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> Share.
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> Give thanks for what you have been given.
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> Give a gift in reciprocity for what you have taken.
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> Sustain the ones who sustain you and the Earth will last forever.

> gift economies arise from the abundance of gifts from the Earth, which are owned by no one and therefore shared. Sharing engenders relationships of goodwill and bonds that ensure you will be invited to the feast when your neighbor is fortunate. Security is ensured by nurturing the bonds of reciprocity. You can store meat in your own pantry or in the belly of your brother. Both have the result of keeping hunger at bay but with very different consequences for the people and for the land which provided that sustenance.