Air Quote by Jerome Lawrence
“Progress has never been a bargain. You have to pay for it. Sometimes I think there's a man who sits behind a counter and says, "All right, you can have a telephone but you lose privacy and the charm of distance. Madam, you may vote but at a price. You lose the right to retreat behind the powder puff or your petticoat. Mister, you may conquer the air but the birds will lose their wonder and the clouds will smell of gasoline. Henry Drummond, a character in Inherit the Wind”
About This Quote
Source Play: Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, 1955
Progress demands sacrifice; every gain costs something valuable, often intangible freedoms or natural wonders.
In simple terms: Progress costs something.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden costs before pursuing progress.
Themes
sacrifice
progress
freedom
environment
technology
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- urban planning
- personal decisions
- environmental activism
Key Concepts
Opportunity cost
externalities
ethical trade‑offs
Questions to Reflect On
- What are you willing to give up for advancement?
- How can we balance innovation with preservation?
A Different Perspective
Progress can erode essential human experiences and ecological balance.
![“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)