Natural world Quote by Edward Abbey
““The new dam, of course, will improve things. If ever filled it will back water to within sight of the Bridge, transforming what was formerly an adventure into a routine motorboat excursion. Those who see it then will not understand that half the beauty of Rainbow Bridge lay in its remoteness, its relative difficulty of access, and in the wilderness surrounding it, of which it was an integral part. When these aspects are removed the Bridge will be no more than an isolated geological oddity, an extension of that museumlike diorama to which industrial tourism tends to reduce the natural world.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Desert Solitaire, 1968
Industrial tourism erodes natural wonder by making remote, challenging places easily accessible, reducing their mystique.
In simple terms: Tourism can diminish natural beauty.
Key Takeaway
Preserve wilderness to maintain awe.
Themes
environment
industrialization
tourism
beauty
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
environmental
philosophical
When to use this quote
- park management
- eco‑tourism
- heritage preservation
Key Concepts
conservation
human impact
Questions to Reflect On
- Should all nature be protected?
- How to balance access and preservation?
A Different Perspective
Convenient access may increase appreciation for some.
