Capacity Quote by Hazel Henderson
“Sustainability is especially ripe for political controversy and opposition because fundamentally it is a new paradigm that represents significant challenges to the status quo. The paradigm of sustainability, with its notions of limitations and carrying capacities confronts dominant paradigms of progress which do not recognize limits to unchecked growth”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Quest for Sustainable Capitalism by Hazel Henderson, 1999
Sustainability challenges existing growth models by introducing limits, provoking political pushback as it threatens entrenched interests.
In simple terms: Sustainability opposes unlimited growth, causing controversy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits, adapt strategies.
Themes
environment
politics
economics
change
systems
Mood
concerned
determined
hopeful
Type
analytical
call‑to‑action
When to use this quote
- policy making
- corporate strategy
- public advocacy
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
carrying capacity
paradigm shift
resource limits
political economy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance growth with ecological limits?
- What incentives can reduce political opposition?
A Different Perspective
Resistance may stem from short‑term profit motives and fear of disruption.
![“It doesn't take a genius to pump up the GNP [of a developing country] by burning down rainforests, using slave labor and social repression to keep things in place.” quote by Hazel Henderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/107/hazel-henderson-31097_burning_it-doesn-t-take-a-genius-to-pump-up-the_2340748.jpg)
