QuoteProject
Conventional economic theory... counts the depletion of resources as the accumulation of wealth.
Mark Lynas
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote critiques traditional economic views that mistake resource depletion for wealth accumulation.

Mark Lynas highlights a fundamental flaw in conventional economic theory, which equates the reduction of natural resources with the generation of wealth. This perspective can lead to harmful practices that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, ultimately disregarding the consequences of depleting the planet's resources.

Themes

EconomicsResourcesWealthSustainabilityDepletionTheory

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about sustainable development at a conference.

More from Mark Lynas

If we are to save humanity and the planet from the worst mass extinction of all time, worse even than that at the end of the Permian, we must stop at two degrees.
Mark LynasRead

Similar quotes

The social object of skilled investment should be to defeat the dark forces of time and ignorance which envelope our future.
John Maynard KeynesRead
The interests of the IMF represent the big international interests that today seem to be established and concentrated in Wall Street.
Che GuevaraRead
During the next four years...unless drastic steps are taken by Congress, the U.S. will have nearly 8,000,000 unemployed and will stand on the brink of a deep depression.
Henry A. WallaceRead
No pecuniary consideration is more urgent, than the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt: on none can delay be more injurious, or an economy of time more valuable.
George WashingtonRead
Big companies are reliant on institutional investors on a punishing schedule which leads to ruthless behaviour. This form of capitalism with this structure and incentives will never deliver sustainability.
Tim JacksonRead
You have to remember: what are incomes to banks are outgoes to families.
Elizabeth WarrenRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.