Civilization Quote by Daniel Quinn
““This is precisely how someone speaks who imagines that he is the world's divinely appointed ruler: 'I will not LET them starve. I will not LET the drought come. I will not LET the river flood.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Ishmael,” 1992
A speaker claims divine authority to control nature, refusing to let suffering or disaster happen, reflecting hubris.
In simple terms: Powerful claims of control reveal arrogance.
Key Takeaway
Question authority that claims to dominate nature.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
environment
authority
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- environmental policy debates
- religious discourse
- political speeches
- activist rallies
Key Concepts
hubris
human exceptionalism
moral responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Who truly has the right to decide nature’s fate?
- What responsibilities accompany power over the environment?
A Different Perspective
Such absolutist rhetoric can ignore systemic causes of suffering.
![“[N]ow we have a clearer idea what this story is all about: The world was made for man, and man was made to rule it.” quote by Daniel Quinn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/798/daniel-quinn-1786_civilization_n-ow-we-have-a-clearer-idea-what-this-st_60790.jpg)
