Economists (and others) who are satisfied with nature-free equations develop a dangerous hubris about the potency of our species
Garrett HardinRead
A finite world can support only a finite population; therefore, population growth must eventually equal zero.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the limits of our planet in supporting human life and the necessity for population stabilization.
Garrett Hardin's quote highlights the fundamental relationship between the earth's resources and human population growth. It suggests that because the planet has finite resources, unchecked population growth is unsustainable and must ultimately halt to maintain ecological balance. This call for a zero-growth strategy reflects a critical perspective on environmental sustainability and the limitations of natural resources.
Themes
PopulationSustainabilityResourcesGrowthEcology
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing climate change, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of population control.
More from Garrett Hardin
All quotes βMoreover, the practical recommendations deduced from ecological principles threaten the vested interests of commerce; it is hardly surprising that the financial and political power created by these investments should be used sometimes to suppress environmental impact studies.
Garrett HardinRead
A technical solution may be defined as one that requires a change only in the techniques of the natural sciences, demanding little or nothing in the way of change in human values or ideas of morality.
Garrett HardinRead
Thou shalt not transgress the carrying capacity
Garrett HardinRead
Indeed, our particular concept of private property, which deters us from exhausting the positive resources of the earth, favors pollution.
Garrett HardinRead
Society does not need more children; but it does need more loved children. Quite literally, we cannot afford unloved children - but we pay heavily for them every day. There should not be the slightest communal concern when a woman elects to destroy the life of her thousandth-of-an-ounce embryo. But all society should rise up in alarm when it hears that a baby that is not wanted is about to be born.
Garrett HardinRead
Similar quotes
A tragic situation exists precisely when virtue does not triumph but when it is still felt that man is nobler than the forces which destroy him.
George OrwellRead
Man is insatiable for power; he is infantile in his desires and, always discontented with what he has, loves only what he has not. People complain of the despotism of princes; they ought to complain of the despotism of man.
Joseph De MaistreRead
It seems that the right of freedom of speech that was enshrined in numerous constitutions is now under attack by religious institutions.
Salman RushdieRead
The sage's Way is to act and not to contend.
LaoziRead
Again, the glory of one attribute is more seen in one work than in another: in some things there is more of His goodness, in other things more of His wisdom is seen, and in others more of His power. But in the work of redemption all His perfections and excellencies shine forth in their greatest glory.
Thomas BostonRead
We tend to think of age only in time, but I don't think it has much to do with time at all there's a whole load of other things. I've met 16-year-olds who are old and 90-year-olds who are young.
Roger DaltreyRead