Animal Quote by A.S. Byatt
““We are a species of animal which is bringing about the end of the world we were born into. Not out of evil or malice, or not mainly, but because of a lopsided mixture of extraordinary cleverness, extraordinary greed, extraordinary proliferation of our own kind, and a biologically built-in short-sightedness.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: “The End of the World”, 1995
Human progress is driven by intelligence and greed, but short‑sightedness endangers our future.
In simple terms: Our cleverness and greed harm the planet.
Key Takeaway
Balance innovation with long‑term thinking.
Themes
environment
technology
human nature
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
philosophical
environmental
When to use this quote
- policy making
- corporate strategy
- personal consumption
- education curricula
Key Concepts
sustainability
ecology
anthropocentrism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies curb short‑sightedness?
- What policies can align cleverness with sustainability?
A Different Perspective
Greed may outweigh caution in market economies.
