Assault Quote by Bill Moyers
“I report the assault on nature evidenced in coal mining that tears the tops off mountains and dumps them into rivers, sacrificing the health and lives of those in the river valleys to short-term profit, and I see a link between that process and the stock-market frenzy which scorns long-term investments-genuine savings-in favor of quick turnovers and speculative bubbles whose inevitable bursting leaves insiders with stuffed pockets and millions of small stockholders, pensioners, and employees out of work, out of luck, and out of hope.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Environmental Commentary, Bill Moyers, 1990s
Industrial extraction harms ecosystems and communities for short‑term profit, mirroring speculative finance that rewards insiders over ordinary people.
In simple terms: Mining and finance both prioritize quick gains over long‑term health and stability.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize sustainable practices and responsible investing.
Themes
environment
economics
justice
sustainability
speculation
Mood
concerned
urgent
reflective
Type
political
activist
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community advocacy
- investment decisions
- corporate governance
Key Concepts
externalities
systemic risk
intergenerational equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we align profit motives with ecological stewardship?
- What policies could curb speculative bubbles that harm everyday workers?
A Different Perspective
Long‑term solutions are often politically and economically resisted.
