No degree of prosperity could justify the accumulation of…
“No degree of prosperity could justify the accumulation of large amounts of highly toxic substances which nobody knows how to make safe and which remain an incalculable danger to the whole of creation for historical or even geological ages. To do such a thing is a transgression against life itself, a transgression infinitely more serious than any crime perpetrated by man. The idea that a civilization could sustain itself on such a transgression is an ethical, spiritual, and metaphysical monstrosity. It means conducting the economical affairs of man as if people did not matter at all.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns that amassing massive toxic waste for long‑term harm is a profound moral violation, outweighing ordinary crimes.
In simple terms: Huge toxic waste is a grave moral crime.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize ecological safety over profit.
Themes
ethics
environment
economics
spirituality
metaphysics
Mood
concerned
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
environmental
When to use this quote
- industrial policy
- chemical manufacturing
- urban planning
- resource extraction
- government regulation
Key Concepts
externalities
intergenerational justice
precautionary principle
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance development with long‑term ecological health?
- What responsibilities do current generations have to future ones?
A Different Perspective
It may be impossible to fully eliminate all hazardous by, making absolute safety unrealistic.