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But we still find the world astounding, we can't get…

“But we still find the world astounding, we can't get enough of it; even as it shrivels, even as its many lights flicker and are extinguished (the tigers, the leopard frogs, the plunging dolphin flukes), flicker and are extinguished, by us, by us, we gaze and gaze. Where do you draw the line…” quote by Margaret Atwood
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“But we still find the world astounding, we can't get enough of it; even as it shrivels, even as its many lights flicker and are extinguished (the tigers, the leopard frogs, the plunging dolphin flukes), flicker and are extinguished, by us, by us, we gaze and gaze. Where do you draw the line, between love and greed? We never did know, we always wanted more. We want to take it all in, for one last time, we want to eat the world with our eyes.”

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

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

The passage marvels at the world's wonders while confronting its decline, questioning the boundary between admiration and exploitation.

In simple terms: We are fascinated by the world even as it fades.

Key Takeaway

Balance wonder with responsibility toward nature.

Themes

environment wonder exploitation

Mood

contemplative critical

Type

philosophical environmental

When to use this quote

  • nature tourism
  • conservation activism
  • artistic inspiration

Key Concepts

ecology philosophy human desire

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do we have to protect what we admire?
  • How can we enjoy nature without exploiting it?
A Different Perspective

May idealize nature without addressing systemic causes of loss.

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