Air Quote by Edward Abbey
“The ever-rising cost of living: Someday soon, the corporate technicians will be locking meters on our noses and charging us a royalty on the air we breathe.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Desert Solitaire, 1968
The quote warns that corporate control may extend to basic necessities, turning even air into a commodity.
In simple terms: Corporations could charge for essential resources like air.
Key Takeaway
Stay vigilant against over‑commercialization.
Themes
capitalism
environment
freedom
surveillance
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
environmental
When to use this quote
- housing costs
- utility bills
- air quality monitoring
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
commodification
corporate power
resource control
Questions to Reflect On
- How might we protect public resources from privatization?
- What safeguards exist today against such exploitation?
A Different Perspective
It may exaggerate future tech; actual regulation may differ.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)