Community Quote by Bill McKibben
“Community is as endangered by surplus as it is by deficit. If there is too much money floating around it enables people to have no need of each other.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The End of Nature?” by Bill McKibben, 1989
Excessive wealth can erode communal bonds just as scarcity can, because both extremes reduce mutual dependence.
In simple terms: Too much money or too little can weaken community ties.
Balance resources to foster interdependence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- neighborhood initiatives
- policy making
- philanthropy
- financial education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wealth affect your sense of responsibility to others?
- What practices can rebuild community in affluent societies?
Even with balanced resources, cultural attitudes may still prioritize individualism over collective care.