Skip to content

But Humanity, in its desire for comfort, had over-reached…

“But Humanity, in its desire for comfort, had over-reached itself. It had exploited the riches of nature too far. Quietly and complacently, it was sinking into decadence, and progress had come to mean the progress of the Machine.” quote by E. M. Forster
Download Open image
“But Humanity, in its desire for comfort, had over-reached itself. It had exploited the riches of nature too far. Quietly and complacently, it was sinking into decadence, and progress had come to mean the progress of the Machine.”

E. M. Forster

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 comfort leads to overexploitation of nature, causing moral decay and a focus on mechanistic progress.

In simple terms: Comfort drives exploitation and moral decline.

Key Takeaway

Beware the cost of comfort.

Themes

environmentalism ethics technology decadence

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

cautionary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • resource management
  • personal lifestyle choices

Key Concepts

sustainability humanism industrialization

Questions to Reflect On

  • What comforts are you accepting without question?
  • How can we balance progress with ecological stewardship?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on comfort can stifle creativity and resilience.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by E. M. Forster

Explore all 287 E. M. Forster quotes

More Comfort quotes

Browse all 4,542 Comfort quotes