Big family Quote by Daniel Quinn
““Whenever a Taker couple talk about how wonderful it would be to have a big family, they're reenacting this scene behind the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They're saying to themselves, 'Of course it's our right to apportion life on this planet as we please. Why stop of four kids or six? We can have fifteen if we like. All we have to do is plow under another few hundres acres of rain forest -- and who cares if a dozen other species disappear as a result?””
About This Quote
Source Book: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, 1992
The quote critiques the entitlement mindset that justifies expanding human families and exploiting nature without regard for ecological consequences.
In simple terms: It warns against selfishly expanding families at the planet's expense.
Key Takeaway
Consider limits on growth for planetary health.
Themes
environmental ethics
population
human rights
responsibility
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family planning
- urban development
- conservation policy
- education curricula
- resource management
Key Concepts
anthropocentrism
ecocentrism
sustainability
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do we have to other species?
- How can societies balance personal freedom with ecological limits?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all families desire large size, ignoring cultural and economic diversity.
![“[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)
