Skip to content

Air pollution Quote by Nic Marks

“Even if we act to erase material poverty, there is another greater task; it is to confront the poverty of satisfaction – purpose and dignity – that afflicts us all. Too much and for too long, we seemed to have surrendered personal excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of…” quote by Nic Marks
Download Open image
““Even if we act to erase material poverty, there is another greater task; it is to confront the poverty of satisfaction – purpose and dignity – that afflicts us all. Too much and for too long, we seemed to have surrendered personal excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things. Our Gross National Product, now, is over $800 billion a year, but that Gross National Product … counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for the people who break them. It counts the destruction of the redwood and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts napalm and counts nuclear warheads and armored cars for the police to fight the riots in our cities. It counts Whitman's rifle and Speck's knife, and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children. Yet the Gross National Product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile.””

Nic Marks

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address on Gross National Product, date unknown

The quote argues that material wealth measured by GDP ignores deeper human values like purpose, dignity, health, education, and cultural richness, which are essential for a meaningful life.

In simple terms: GDP overlooks purpose, dignity, health, education, and culture.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize well‑being over mere economic growth.

Themes

economics human values environment culture well‑being

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical social commentary analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education reform
  • community building
  • environmental activism
  • personal fulfillment

Key Concepts

GDP materialism social metrics human development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies measure and value non‑material contributions?
  • What policies can balance economic growth with human flourishing?
A Different Perspective

GDP cannot capture intangible qualities that define quality of life.

3.3 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Nic Marks

Explore all 10 Nic Marks quotes

More Air pollution quotes

Browse all 96 Air pollution quotes