The most important environmental issue is one that is rarely mentioned, and that is the lack of a conservation ethic in our culture.
Gaylord NelsonRead
There is a great need for the introduction of new values in our society, where bigger is not necessarily better, where slower can be faster, and where less can be more.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of adopting new values that prioritize quality and sustainability over quantity and speed.
Gaylord Nelson's quote calls for a societal shift in values, advocating for a change in perspective where traditional metrics of success are re-evaluated. It suggests that we should focus on the quality of our experiences and achievements rather than merely striving for bigger and faster outcomes. The idea is that in our pursuit of progress, we might find that what truly matters is not just more, but something that carries deeper meaning and value.
Themes
ValuesSocietyChangeQualitySimplicity
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about sustainable living, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of mindful consumption.
More from Gaylord Nelson
All quotes →The ultimate test of a man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.
Gaylord NelsonRead
Reaching a general understanding that sustainability is the ultimate issue will finally bring us face-to-face with the political challenge of forging a sustainable society during the next few decades. It is a challenge we can meet if we have the leadership and the political will to do so.
Gaylord NelsonRead
Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.
Gaylord NelsonRead
Similar quotes
After weeks on the road, listening to a language you don’t understand, using a currency whose value you don’t comprehend, walking down streets you’ve never walked down before, you discover that your old “I,” along with everything you ever learned, is absolutely no use at all in the face of those new challenges, and you begin to realize that buried deep in your unconscious mind there is someone much more interesting and adventurous and more open to the world and to new experiences.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Change your mind about something significant every day.
Malcolm GladwellRead
I'm just one generation between someone who cheered when Germans were burning and someone who doesn't even know that there is a border. That's a miracle - really is a miracle - and it gets me really emotional.
Frans TimmermansRead
I may not be the man I want to be; I may not be the man I ought to be; I may not be the man I could be; I may not be the man I truly can be; but praise God, I'm not the man I once was
Martin Luther King, Jr.Read
Everybody believes in innovation until they see it. Then they think, 'Oh, no; that'll never work. It's too different.'
Nolan BushnellRead
We get stuck in old thought and behavior patterns that may have been effective when we were twelve months or twelve years old, but now only serve to hold us back. And, while those around us may have no problem correcting our minor flaws, they let the big ones slide, because it would mean attacking who we are.
Neil StraussRead