Air Quote by Chief Seattle
“If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 1854 Address to the Washington Territory Legislature
Nature’s resources are priceless and cannot be purchased; they belong to all.
In simple terms: Nature cannot be owned.
Key Takeaway
Protect the environment.
Themes
environment
stewardship
rights
Mood
urgent
hopeful
Type
activist
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- community activism
Key Concepts
ecology
indigenous philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we value nature beyond money?
- What responsibilities do we have to future generations?
A Different Perspective
Economic interests often override ecological value.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
