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It’s unavoidable: so long as we value money more highly…

“It’s unavoidable: so long as we value money more highly than living beings and more highly than relationships, we will continue to see living beings as resources, and convert them to cash; objectifying, killing, extirpating. This is true whether we’re talking about fish, fur-bearing mammals…” quote by Derrick Jensen
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““It’s unavoidable: so long as we value money more highly than living beings and more highly than relationships, we will continue to see living beings as resources, and convert them to cash; objectifying, killing, extirpating. This is true whether we’re talking about fish, fur-bearing mammals, Indians, day-laborers, and so on. If monetary value is attached to something it will be exploited until it’s gone.””

Derrick Jensen

About This Quote

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

Prioritizing money over living beings leads to exploitation and eventual loss of those beings.

In simple terms: Money‑first mindset harms life.

Key Takeaway

Re‑evaluate values beyond profit.

Themes

environment ethics exploitation

Mood

critical urgent

Type

ethical activist

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • consumer choices
  • activism

Key Concepts

economics animal rights colonialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance profit and life?
  • What alternatives exist to monetary valuation?
A Different Perspective

May generalize complex economic systems.

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