Allowed Quote by Norman Foster
“We now think it hilarious that medieval streets were used as open sewers. Equally, our descendants will say: 'You won't believe this, but people were once allowed to hurl a couple of tons of dangerous metal around smashing into each other.'”
About This Quote
The statement humorously critiques past sanitation practices and predicts future generations will find our current environmental harms absurd.
In simple terms: Past and future will view our wasteful habits as ridiculous.
Key Takeaway
Adopt sustainable practices now.
Themes
environment
history
humor
Mood
ironic
reflective
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- city infrastructure
- industrial waste
- consumer culture
- future urban design
Key Concepts
urban planning
environmental ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What practices today will future people mock?
- How can we reduce our environmental footprint?
A Different Perspective
Changing norms may make current standards seem normal.
