Economics was like psychology, a pseudoscience trying to hide that fact with intense theoretical hyperelaboration. And gross domestic product was one of those unfortunate measurement concepts, like inches or the British thermal unit, that ought to have been retired long before.
If the amount of money going into the war economy were invested in landscape restoration, we would be in a far more positive position. It may get a little dire before we pull together, but I think when the prosperous nations, and in particular the U.S., realize they're wrecking their own kids' lives, there will be a mass change in value.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Investing in environmental restoration is more beneficial than spending on war, and a realization of this can lead to significant societal change.
This quote emphasizes the potential for a positive transformation in society if resources currently allocated to warfare are redirected towards ecological recovery. It suggests that as nations, particularly the U.S., begin to understand the detrimental impact of their decisions on future generations, there could be a collective shift in values that prioritizes sustainability over conflict.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a TED Talk about environmental awareness, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of prioritizing environmental restoration over military spending.
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