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As a species, taking all in all, we are still too young…

“As a species, taking all in all, we are still too young, too juvenile, to be trusted. We have spread across the face of the earth in just a few thousand years, no time at all as evolution clocks time, covering all livable parts of the planet, endangering other forms of life, and now threatening…” quote by Lewis Thomas
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“As a species, taking all in all, we are still too young, too juvenile, to be trusted. We have spread across the face of the earth in just a few thousand years, no time at all as evolution clocks time, covering all livable parts of the planet, endangering other forms of life, and now threatening ourselves.”

Lewis Thomas

About This Quote

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

Humanity is still immature, spreading rapidly and endangering other life while threatening itself.

In simple terms: We are young, expanding, and harming Earth and ourselves.

Key Takeaway

Practice humility and stewardship of the planet.

Themes

environment maturity responsibility

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

environmental philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • conservation projects
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

ecology evolution anthropocene

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance growth with sustainability?
  • What responsibilities come with our technological power?
A Different Perspective

Human progress often ignores ecological limits.

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