> It seems to me that the whole thing is a mess that doesn't work very well.

Fritjof Capra discusses how areas of science have transitioned from a reductionistic / mechanical approach to a more systems approach - but law has not kept up and still treats parts of the world as disconnected, an individual's right, protected by the state.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Ecology-Law-Toward-Community/dp/16...