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Living capital, which has the special capacity to…

“Living capital, which has the special capacity to continuously regenerate itself, is ultimately the source of all real wealth. To destroy it for money, a simple number with no intrinsic value, is an act of collective insanity - which makes capitalism a mental, as well as physical pathology.” quote by David Korten
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“Living capital, which has the special capacity to continuously regenerate itself, is ultimately the source of all real wealth. To destroy it for money, a simple number with no intrinsic value, is an act of collective insanity - which makes capitalism a mental, as well as physical pathology.”

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.

Argues that living capital—renewable resources—is the true source of wealth, and destroying it for profit is a collective madness.

In simple terms: Renewable resources are real wealth; exploiting them is insane.

Key Takeaway

Protect and invest in sustainable capital.

Themes

environment economics ethics sustainability

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

philosophical activist

When to use this quote

  • business strategy
  • policy making
  • community planning

Key Concepts

capital theory collective responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What policies can safeguard living capital?
  • How can individuals support sustainable wealth?
A Different Perspective

Economic growth often prioritizes short‑term profit over long‑term health.

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