Modern man has no real "value" for the ocean. All he has…
“Modern man has no real "value" for the ocean. All he has is the most crass form of egoist, pragmatic value for it. He treats it as a "thing" in the worst possible sense, to exploit it for the "good" of man. The man who believes things are there only by chance cannot give things a real value. But for the Christian the value of a thing is not in itself autonomously, but because God made it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Modern society values the ocean only for utilitarian gain, lacking intrinsic reverence, whereas Christian view sees value as God-given.
In simple terms: We treat nature as a tool, not sacred.
Recognize intrinsic worth beyond utility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- conservation policy
- faith discussions
- environmental activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What gives something true value?
- How can faith shape environmental ethics?
Human-centered view limits stewardship.