Asking Quote by Julian Simon
“Because we can expect future generations to be richer than we are, no matter what we do about resources, asking us to refrain from using resources now so that future generations can have them later is like asking the poor to make gifts to the rich.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ultimate Resource by Julian Simon, 1981
Assuming future generations will be wealthier, restricting current resource use for their benefit is illogical, akin to asking the poor to give gifts to the rich.
In simple terms: Future wealth makes current resource limits unnecessary.
Key Takeaway
Use resources wisely now.
Themes
economics
intergenerational equity
resource management
inequality
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- environmental planning
- personal consumption
Key Concepts
sustainable development
future wealth
resource scarcity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance current needs with future uncertainties?
- Is it fair to limit present usage based on speculative future wealth?
A Different Perspective
Future prosperity may not materialize as expected.
![“There is only one important resource which has shown a trend of increasing scarcity rather than increasing abundance. That resource is the most important of all—human beings. . . . [An] increase in the price of peoples’ services is a clear indication that people are becoming more scarce even…” quote by Julian Simon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c0c/julian-simon-26245_abundance_there-is-only-one-important-resource-whi_163155.jpg)
