We are now heading down a centuries-long path toward increasing the productivity of our natural capital - the resource systems upon which we depend to live - instead of our human capital.
Paul HawkenRead
We can no longer prosper by increasing human productivity. The more we try to do, the more poverty we will create.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Increased productivity may lead to greater poverty rather than prosperity.
This quote by Paul Hawken suggests that simply enhancing human productivity is not a sustainable path to prosperity. Instead, it warns that relentless efforts to produce more may exacerbate inequalities and ultimately contribute to societal poverty, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to progress that considers the well-being of all individuals.
Themes
ProductivityPovertyProsperityEconomySustainability
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the limits of economic growth at a conference on sustainability.
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