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
The responses that environmentalists evoke - fear, anxiety, numbness, despair - are not helpful, even if they are understandable. It should be fascinating, even enthralling, to be in the milieu of environmental change.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The emotional responses to environmental issues can hinder progress; embracing the fascination of change is more productive.
In this quote, Paul Hawken emphasizes that while fear and despair are common reactions to environmental challenges, they are ultimately unproductive. Instead, he argues for viewing environmental change as a captivating opportunity for growth and engagement, encouraging a mindset that sees the potential for positive transformation rather than succumbing to negativity.
Themes
EnvironmentChangeFascinationEmotionsPositivity
In practice
Example use cases
During a climate change conference, this quote can inspire participants to focus on opportunities for innovation.
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.
Paul HawkenRead
We can no longer prosper by increasing human productivity. The more we try to do, the more poverty we will create.
Paul HawkenRead
At present we are stealing the future, selling it in the present, and calling it gross domestic product.
Paul HawkenRead
How much harm does a company have to do before we question its right to exist?
Paul HawkenRead
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.
Paul HawkenRead
Similar quotes
Lord, I do fear Thou'st made the world too beautiful this year My soul is all but out of me-let fall No burning leaf; prithee, let no bird call.
Edna St. Vincent MillayRead
The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us. Thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing. The trees wave and the flowers bloom in our bodies as well as our souls, and every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own, and sings our love.
John MuirRead
The Indians' botanical knowledge is disappearing even faster than the plants themselves.
Richard Evans SchultesRead
Let the rain kiss you._x000D_ _x000D_ Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops._x000D_ _x000D_ Let the rain sing you a lullaby._x000D_ _x000D_ The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk._x000D_ _x000D_ The rain makes running pools in the gutter._x000D_ _x000D_ The rain plays a little sellp-song on our roof at night-_x000D_ _x000D_ And I love the rain.
Langston HughesRead
Our present ecological crisis, the biggest single practical threat to our human existence in the middle to long term, has, religious people would say, a great deal to do with our failure to think of the world as existing in relation to the mystery of God, not just as a huge warehouse of stuff to be used for our convenience.
Rowan WilliamsRead
How sublime to look down on the workhouse of nature, to see her clouds, hail, snow, rain, thunder, all fabricated at our feet!
Thomas JeffersonRead