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Authority Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“Why should not we, who have renounced the king's authority, have our national preserves, where no villages need be destroyed, in which the bear and panther, and some even of the hunter race, may still exist, and not be "civilized off the face of the earth," - our forests, not to hold the king's…” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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“Why should not we, who have renounced the king's authority, have our national preserves, where no villages need be destroyed, in which the bear and panther, and some even of the hunter race, may still exist, and not be "civilized off the face of the earth," - our forests, not to hold the king's game merely, but to hold and preserve the king himself also, the lord of creation, - not for idle sport or food, but for inspiration and our own true re-creation?”

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

Source Essay: "Civil Disobedience", 1849

Preserving wild nature sustains humanity's deeper spiritual and creative needs beyond mere utility.

In simple terms: Nature preserves humanity's spirit.

Key Takeaway

Support and protect wild spaces.

Themes

environment spirituality creativity conservation

Mood

contemplative inspirational

Type

environmental philosophical

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • education
  • personal meditation
  • policy advocacy

Key Concepts

ecology philosophy humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would a world without wild places look like?
  • How can you integrate wilderness into daily life?
A Different Perspective

Modern life often values exploitation over preservation.

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