America today stands poised on a pinnacle of wealth and power, yet we live in a land of vanishing beauty, of increasing ugliness, of shrinking open space, and of an over-all environment that is diminished daily by pollution and noise and blight.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the contrast between America's wealth and the degradation of its natural beauty and environment.
Stewart Udall's quote highlights the ironic situation in which the United States enjoys immense wealth and power, yet simultaneously suffers from environmental decline and a loss of beauty in its landscapes. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving the natural environment amid progress and development, emphasizing that material prosperity should not come at the expense of ecological health and aesthetic value.
In practice
In a speech advocating for environmental protection, one might say, 'As Stewart Udall noted, we must remember that our wealth does not excuse the degradation of our environment.'
If, in our haste to 'progress,' the economics of ecology are disregarded by citizens and policy makers alike, the result will be an ugly America. We cannot afford an America where expedience tramples upon esthetics and development decisions are made with an eye only on the present.
Each generation has its own rendezvous with the land, for despite our fee titles and claims of ownership, we are all brief tenants on this planet. By choice, or by default, we will carve out a land legacy for our heirs.
I'm not over-fond of animals. I am merely astounded by them.
We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children's memories, the adventures we've had together in nature will always exist.
Over the land freckled with snow half-thawed_x000D_ _x000D_ The speculating rooks at their nests cawed_x000D_ _x000D_ And saw from elm tops, delicate as flower of grass,_x000D_ _x000D_ What we below could not see, Winter pass.
Probably the most visible example of unintended consequences, is what happens every time humans try to change the natural ecology of a place.
Well, in some ways we're not successful at all. We're destroying our home. That's not a bit successful.
What is a country without rabbits and partridges? They are among the most simple and indigenous animal products; ancient and venerable families known to antiquity as to modern times; of the very hue and substance of Nature, nearest allied to leaves and to the ground.
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