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Nature is, above all, profligate. Don't believe them when…

“Nature is, above all, profligate. Don't believe them when they tell you how economical and thrifty nature is, whose leaves return to the soil. Wouldn't it be cheaper to leave them on the tree in the first place? This deciduous business alone is a radical scheme, the brainchild of a deranged…” quote by Annie Dillard
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“Nature is, above all, profligate. Don't believe them when they tell you how economical and thrifty nature is, whose leaves return to the soil. Wouldn't it be cheaper to leave them on the tree in the first place? This deciduous business alone is a radical scheme, the brainchild of a deranged manic-depressive with limitless capital. Extravagance! Nature will try anything once.”

Annie Dillard

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Nature is wasteful by constantly renewing itself, showing extravagance rather than thrift.

In simple terms: Nature spends resources lavishly.

Key Takeaway

Accept nature’s excess as part of life.

Themes

nature extravagance renewal

Mood

contemplative curious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • gardening
  • climate study
  • philosophical reflection
  • environmental policy

Key Concepts

ecology entropy resource cycles

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does nature’s waste inspire human creativity?
  • Can we learn sustainability from natural excess?
A Different Perspective

Viewing nature as wasteful can overlook its efficiency in cycles.

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