That is all the National Parks are about. Use, but do no harm.
Wallace StegnerRead
We are the most dangerous species of life on the planet, and every other species, even the earth itself, has cause to fear our power to exterminate. But we are also the only species which, when it chooses to do so, will go to great effort to save what it might destroy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans have the capacity for both destruction and preservation of life on Earth.
This quote by Wallace Stegner examines the dual nature of humanity as both a destructive force and a potential savior. It highlights the irony that while humans possess the ability to cause significant harm to the environment and other species, they also have the unique capacity to recognize their impact and take measures to protect and preserve what they threaten. This reflects a deep ethical responsibility and awareness that comes with being the dominant species on the planet.
Themes
HumanityDestructionPreservationPowerResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about environmental policies, this quote can emphasize the need for responsible stewardship of our planet.
More from Wallace Stegner
All quotes →Touch. It is touch that is the deadliest enemy of chastity, loyalty, monogamy, gentility with its codes and conventions and restraints. By touch we are betrayed and betray others ... an accidental brushing of shoulders or touching of hands ... hands laid on shoulders in a gesture of comfort that lies like a thief, that takes, not gives, that wants, not offers, that awakes, not pacifies. When one flesh is waiting, there is electricity in the merest contact.
Wallace StegnerRead
Hope was always out ahead of fact, possibility obscured the outlines of reality.
Wallace StegnerRead
Young writers should be encouraged to write, and discouraged from thinking they are writers.
Wallace StegnerRead
I was shaped by the west and have lived most of my life in it, and nothing would gratify me more than to see it in all its subregions and subcultures both prosperous and environmentally healthy, with a civilization to match its scenery.
Wallace StegnerRead
Most things break, including hearts. The lessons of life amount not to wisdom, but to scar tissue and callus.
Wallace StegnerRead
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