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
How much harm does a company have to do before we question its right to exist?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the ethical implications of a company's actions and its justification for existence.
Paul Hawken's quote provokes thought regarding corporate responsibility and ethics. It challenges us to consider the extent of harm that businesses can inflict on society, the environment, and individuals, and at what point we, as a society, should critically evaluate their legitimacy and right to operate. It underscores the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions and the impact they have on the world.
Themes
Corporate ResponsibilityEthicsQuestioningExistenceHarm
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a corporate ethics discussion at a business seminar.
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All quotes βInspiration is not garnered from the litanies of what may befall us; it resides in humanity's willingness to restore, redress, reform, rebuild, recover, reimagine, and reconsider.
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At present we are stealing the future, selling it in the present, and calling it gross domestic product.
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We have the capacity to create a remarkably different economy: one that can restore ecosystems and protect the environment while bringing forth innovation, prosperity, meaningful work, and true security.
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You are Brilliant and the Earth is Hiring.
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