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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…” quote by David W. Orr
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“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.”

David W. Orr

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.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate meaning beyond materialism.

Themes

sustainability meaning spiritual growth consumerism modernity

Mood

thoughtful serious inspirational

Type

philosophical environmental

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • personal lifestyle choices
  • education
  • community planning

Key Concepts

philosophy environmental ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies foster deeper meaning?
  • What steps lead to sustainable living?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep values is difficult.

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