Choices Quote by Don Johnston
“'Sustainable Development' is an oxymoron. 'Development' in all it's senses entails expansion and wanting more. Continual expansion and wanting more are unsustainable. Globally we are approaching the point when the only sustainable way forward is to want less. Indeed, the choice element may be removed from us and we will just have to have less. In the meantime we still have some choices about how to influence our future”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Sustainable Development, Don Johnston, 2005
The quote argues that continual growth is inherently unsustainable, suggesting that true sustainability requires limiting desires and consumption.
In simple terms: Growth clashes with sustainability; we must want less.
Key Takeaway
Embrace limits to achieve sustainability.
Themes
sustainability
growth
desire
limits
future
environment
Mood
reflective
concerned
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy planning
- personal consumption
- corporate strategy
- urban development
- education curricula
Key Concepts
economics
ecology
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies shift values toward sufficiency?
- What policies can curb perpetual growth?
A Different Perspective
Human nature resists reduction; societal structures favor expansion.
