Air Quote by Martha Gellhorn
“Despite official drivel about clean bombs and tactical nuclear weapons, anyone who can read a newspaper or listen to a radio knows that some of us mortals have the power to destroy the human race and man's home on earth. We need not even make war; only by preparing, by playing with our new weapons, we poison the air, the water, the soil of our plants, damage the health of the living, and weaken the chances of the newborn.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview or public statement, date unknown
Humanity can self‑destruct through environmental damage and weapons without formal war
In simple terms: We poison Earth and harm health, risking our own survival
Key Takeaway
Recognize and act to protect the environment and limit destructive tech
Themes
environment
war
technology
ethics
humanity
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
political
environmental
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- environmental activism
- public health
- education on weapons
Key Concepts
sustainability
nuclear risk
ecology
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do individuals have versus governments?
- How can societies balance technological progress with ecological safety?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overstate individual impact without systemic change
![“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)