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Entranced by promises of a material paradise of limitless…

“Entranced by promises of a material paradise of limitless luxury, humanity has too long ignored the mismatch between the imperatives of our existence as living beings on a finite planet and the imperatives of the institutions of money that chart our path to the future. Created to build colonial…” quote by David Korten
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“Entranced by promises of a material paradise of limitless luxury, humanity has too long ignored the mismatch between the imperatives of our existence as living beings on a finite planet and the imperatives of the institutions of money that chart our path to the future. Created to build colonial empires in service to kings, global corporations are ill suited to the task of building just, sustainable, and compassionate civil societies that nurture sufficiency, partnership, and respect for the whole of life.”

David Korten

About This Quote

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

Humanity's pursuit of endless luxury clashes with planetary limits and profit‑driven institutions, calling for just, sustainable societies.

In simple terms: Luxury conflicts with sustainability.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize ecological and social justice.

Themes

environment economics ethics social justice sustainability

Mood

urgent hopeful

Type

philosophical activist

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • community organizing
  • education
  • business reform

Key Concepts

systems thinking planetary boundaries corporate power

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives to profit‑driven growth exist?
  • How can individuals influence systemic change?
A Different Perspective

Economic growth models may resist change.

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