Age Quote by David W. Orr
“Unrestrained automobility, hedonism, individualism, and conspicuous consumption cannot be sustained because they take more than they give back. A spiritually impoverished world cannot be sustained because meaninglessness, anomie, and despair will corrode the desire to be sustained and the belief that humanity is worth sustaining. But these are the very things that distinguish the modern age from its predecessors, Genuine sustainability, in other words, will come not from superficial changes but from a deeper process akin to humankind growing up to a fuller stature.”
About This Quote
Modern excesses like consumerism and hedonism are unsustainable; true sustainability requires deeper, spiritual growth and meaning.
In simple terms: Consumerism is unsustainable; need deeper purpose.
Cultivate meaning beyond materialism.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal lifestyle choices
- education
- community planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies foster deeper meaning?
- What steps lead to sustainable living?
Changing deep values is difficult.