Skip to content

We're a young species; We're only 175,000 years old. On…

“We're a young species; We're only 175,000 years old. On the evolutionary scale, life on this planet is 4 billion years old. We're 175,000 years old. So we're trying something out. Who wouldn't think it would be better to have the most stuff to take as much as you could? As we do that, we see why…” quote by Tom Shadyac
Download Open image
“We're a young species; We're only 175,000 years old. On the evolutionary scale, life on this planet is 4 billion years old. We're 175,000 years old. So we're trying something out. Who wouldn't think it would be better to have the most stuff to take as much as you could? As we do that, we see why the moral prophets come along and say, don't even store into barns, right? It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. We've seen we plunder nature. We plunder our neighbor. We create enemies because we're against each other.”

Tom Shadyac

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 highlights humanity’s brief existence, tendency to overconsume, and the moral call to curb greed for ecological and social health.

In simple terms: Humans are short‑lived, over‑consuming, need moral guidance.

Key Takeaway

Adopt sustainable, compassionate living.

Themes

environment ethics human nature

Mood

reflective urgent

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal lifestyle
  • corporate responsibility
  • education
  • policy reform

Key Concepts

sustainability consumerism morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps can individuals take to reduce overconsumption?
  • How can societies balance progress with ecological limits?
A Different Perspective

It may simplify complex economic and cultural drivers of consumption.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Tom Shadyac

Explore all 83 Tom Shadyac quotes

More Barns quotes

Browse all 149 Barns quotes