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
his planet came with a set of instructions, but we seem to have misplaced them. Important rules like don’t poison the water, soil, or air, don’t let the earth get overcrowded, and don’t touch the thermostat have been broken.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights how humanity has neglected the essential environmental guidelines for sustaining our planet.
Paul Hawken's quote reflects the idea that Earth came with inherent guidelines for living sustainably, which we have ignored or forgotten. It emphasizes the critical rules for environmental stewardship—such as not polluting our resources and maintaining balance—that have been violated, leading to consequences for our planet's health and our future.
Themes
EnvironmentSustainabilityPollutionNaturePlanetInstructions
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about climate change, a speaker might use this quote to illustrate the necessity of respecting our environment.
More from Paul Hawken
All quotes →Inspiration 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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We can no longer prosper by increasing human productivity. The more we try to do, the more poverty we will create.
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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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How much harm does a company have to do before we question its right to exist?
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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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