Ancestor Quote by Bernard DeVoto
“It is imperative to maintain portions of the wilderness untouched so that a tree will rot where it falls, a waterfall will pour its curve without generating electricity, a trumpeter swan may float on uncontaminated water - and moderns may at least see what their ancestors knew in their nerves and blood.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The River of Doubt, 1942
Preserving untouched wilderness lets natural processes and wildlife thrive, offering future generations a direct link to ancestral ecosystems.
In simple terms: Protect wild places for nature and heritage.
Key Takeaway
Leave some lands untouched.
Themes
conservation
heritage
nature
legacy
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
ethical
environmental
When to use this quote
- environmental education
- eco‑tourism
- land‑use planning
- wildlife research
Key Concepts
ecosystem integrity
wildlife habitats
cultural continuity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance development with wilderness protection?
- What value do untouched ecosystems hold for society?
A Different Perspective
Human needs for development may conflict with preservation goals.
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
