Long live teachers of children, because they can show children how they can save the world.
Pete SeegerRead
Most scientists know what needs to be done to save our Earth. But the politicians don't listen to them. They will listen to popular pressure; the people got to supply that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Scientists have solutions to environmental issues, but they depend on public demand to prompt political action.
This quote by Pete Seeger highlights the crucial gap between scientific knowledge and political will. While scientists often possess the understanding and solutions needed to address environmental crises, it is the responsibility of the public to apply pressure on politicians to heed this expertise and take decisive action to protect the planet.
Themes
EnvironmentPoliticsScienceActivismPublic Pressure
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about climate action, one could emphasize Seeger's message about the need for public pressure on politicians.
More from Pete Seeger
All quotes →According to my definition of God, I'm not an atheist. Because I think God is everything. Whenever I open my eyes, I'm looking at God. Whenever I'm listening to something, I'm listening to God.
Pete SeegerRead
Songs are funny things. They can slip across borders. Proliferate in prisons. Penetrate hard shells. I always believed that the right song at the right moment could change history.
Pete SeegerRead
Well, normally I’m against big things. I think the world is going to be saved by millions of small things. Too many things can go wrong when they get big.” — Pete Seeger (on how he felt about attending his big 90th birthday bash last year)
Pete SeegerRead
I’ve never sung anywhere without giving the people listening to me a chance to join in - as a kid, as a lefty, as a man touring the U.S.A. and the world, as an oldster. I guess it’s kind of a religion with me. Participation. That’s what’s going to save the human race.
Pete SeegerRead
I write a song because I want to. I think the moment you start writing it to make money, you're starting to kill yourself artistically.
Pete SeegerRead
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