Century Quote by P. J. O'Rourke
“I live in New Hampshire. We're in favor of global warming. Eleven hundred more feet of sea-level rises? I've got beachfront property. You tell us up there, 'By the end of the century, New York City could be underwater,' and we say, 'Your point is?'”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The New Yorker”, 1999
Personal benefit can blind people to broader climate risks, leading to contradictory stances.
In simple terms: Self‑interest clashes with collective climate concerns.
Key Takeaway
Balance personal interests with global responsibility.
Themes
climate
self‑interest
contradiction
policy
Mood
skeptical
ironic
Type
critical
humorous
When to use this quote
- property investment
- policy debate
- public discourse
- personal finance
Key Concepts
Cognitive bias
risk perception
environmental ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people prioritize short‑term gains over long‑term safety?
- How can we align personal incentives with climate action?
A Different Perspective
Denial can be reinforced by immediate gains.
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