I was taught over and over again that the accumulation of random mutations led to evolutionary change - led to new species. I believed it until I looked for evidence.
Lynn MargulisRead
There is no scientific reason to think that we, even with space travel, are going to survive as a species for ever, certainly not by biting off the hand that feeds us, which is exactly what we are doing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human survival is uncertain due to our destructive actions towards the environment.
This quote highlights the fragile nature of human existence and the impact of our actions on the planet. Lynn Margulis emphasizes that despite our advancements in technology and space travel, our survival as a species is jeopardized by the way we exploit and harm the earth. The phrase 'biting off the hand that feeds us' metaphorically illustrates how we are damaging the very resources that sustain us, jeopardizing our future.
Themes
SurvivalEnvironmentSpeciesSpace TravelConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about environmental sustainability.
More from Lynn Margulis
All quotes →Despite our very recent appearance on the planet, humanity combines arrogance with increasing material demands, even as we become more numerous. Our toughness is a delusion. Have we the intelligence and discipline to vigilantly guard against our tendency to grow without limit?
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