Capacity Quote by David Korten
“Living capital, which has the special capacity to continuously regenerate itself, is ultimately the source of all real wealth. To destroy it for money, a simple number with no intrinsic value, is an act of collective insanity - which makes capitalism a mental, as well as physical pathology.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Great Turning, 1997
Argues that living capital—renewable resources—is the true source of wealth, and destroying it for profit is a collective madness.
In simple terms: Renewable resources are real wealth; exploiting them is insane.
Key Takeaway
Protect and invest in sustainable capital.
Themes
environment
economics
ethics
sustainability
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- policy making
- community planning
Key Concepts
capital theory
collective responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies can safeguard living capital?
- How can individuals support sustainable wealth?
A Different Perspective
Economic growth often prioritizes short‑term profit over long‑term health.
