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.
Gaylord NelsonRead
The most important environmental issue is one that is rarely mentioned, and that is the lack of a conservation ethic in our culture.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the critical need for a cultural shift towards valuing and practicing environmental conservation.
Gaylord Nelson emphasizes that the most pressing environmental challenge we face is not the physical threats to nature, but rather a fundamental lack of a conservation ethic within our society. He suggests that a collective mindset valuing preservation and stewardship of the environment is essential for sustainable progress and addressing ecological issues.
In practice
This quote can be used to open a speech at an environmental conservation conference.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Now this circumscribed power, which we have scarcely examined, scarcely studied, this power to whose actions we nearly always attribute an intention and a goal, this power, finally, that always does necessarily the same things in the same circumstances and nevertheless does so many and such admirable ones, is what we call 'nature' .
I'm swanning round the world looking at the most fabulously interesting things. Such good fortune.
Trees have a curious relationship to the subject of the present moment. There are many created things in the universe that outlive us, that outlive the sun, even, but I can't think about them. I live with trees.
Scent is the soul of flowers, and sea flowers, as splendid as they may be, have no soul!
I believe climate change is real and that we can save our planet while creating millions of good-paying clean energy jobs.
Look at that sea, girls--all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn't enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.
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