We cannot cheat on DNA. We cannot get round photosynthesis. We cannot say I am not going to give a damn about phytoplankton. All these tiny mechanisms provide the preconditions of our planetary life. To say we do not care is to say in the most literal sense that "we choose death."
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of fundamental natural processes for life on Earth and the consequences of ignoring them.
Barbara Ward's quote reflects the vital interconnections between various natural processes and life on our planet. By highlighting essential elements like DNA, photosynthesis, and phytoplankton, she insists that neglecting or dismissing these processes equates to a disregard for life itself. It serves as a warning that understanding and respecting the basic mechanisms that sustain life is crucial, as to turn a blind eye to them is essentially choosing death for ourselves and our environment.
In practice
In a speech on environmental conservation, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of respecting natural processes.
On the one hand, we are faced with the stewardship of this beautiful, subtle, incredibly delicate, fragile planet. On the other, we confront the destiny of our fellow man, our brothers. How can we say that we are followers of Christ if this dual responsibility does not seem to us the essence and heart of our religion?
The wind is rushing after us, and the clouds are flying after us, and the moon is plunging after us, and the whole wild night is in pursuit of us; but, so far we are pursued by nothing else.
one does not only wish to be understood when one writes; one wishes just as surely not to be understood.
When in doubt, have a man come through the door with a gun in his hand.
One of the best predictors of policy around is Thomas Ferguson's investment theory of politics, as he calls it - very outstanding political economist - which essentially - I mean, to say it in a sentence, he describes elections as occasions in which groups of investors coalesce and invest to control the state.
We build a shell around it, like an oyster dealing with a painful particle of grit, coating it with smooth pearl layers in order to cope. This is how we walk and talk and function , day in, day out. Immune to others’ pain and loss.
But, alas! what poor Woman is ever taught that she should have a higher Design than to get her a Husband?
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.