Break your heart Quote by Edward Abbey
““Devoted though we must be to the conservation cause, I do not believe that any of us should give it all of our time or effort or heart. Give what you can, but do not burn yourselves out -- or break your hearts. Let us save at least half of our lives for the enjoyment of this wonderful world which still exists. Leave your dens, abandon your cars and walk out into the great mountains, the deserts, the forests, the seashores. Those treasures still belong to all of us. Enjoy them to the full, stretch your legs, expand your lungs, enliven your hearts -- and we will outlive the greedy swine who want to destroy it all in the name of what they call GROWTH. God bless America -- let's save some of it. Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet!””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey, 1968
Conservation requires balance; give effort but avoid burnout, and cherish nature’s wonders for a fulfilling life.
In simple terms: Balance activism with personal joy.
Protect nature without self‑sacrifice.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- hiking
- volunteering
- mindful nature walks
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate nature into daily life?
- What limits your conservation involvement?
Risk of neglecting urgent environmental crises.