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
When you pollute a river, it's a supreme injustice to those who are downstream and those who live in the river who are not human beings.
Interpretation
Polluting natural resources is unfair to all living beings affected by it.
This quote emphasizes the moral responsibility humans have towards the environment and other living beings. It highlights that pollution is not just an act that harms the environment directly, but it also creates injustice for other life forms and future generations that rely on clean waterways.
In practice
During an environmental conference to emphasize the importance of clean waterways.
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.
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.
We can no longer prosper by increasing human productivity. The more we try to do, the more poverty we will create.
At present we are stealing the future, selling it in the present, and calling it gross domestic product.
How much harm does a company have to do before we question its right to exist?
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.
... the open sky sits upon our senses like a sapphire crown - the Air is our robe of state - the Earth is our throne, and the Sea a mighty minstrel playing before it.
Zoo animals are ambassadors for their cousins in the wild.
Nature has given us two ears but only one mouth.
We Americans, in most states at least, have not yet experienced a bear-less, eagle-less, cat- less, wolf-less woods. Germany strove for maximum yields of both timber and game and got neither.
Break open_x000D_ _x000D_ A cherry tree_x000D_ _x000D_ And there are no flowers;_x000D_ _x000D_ But the spring breeze_x000D_ _x000D_ Brings forth myriad blossoms.
I sincerely congratulate you on the arrival of the mockingbird. Learn all the children to venerate it as a superior being in the form of a bird, or as a being which will haunt them if any harm is done to itself or its eggs.
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