Able Quote by Richard J. Foster
“Overconsumption is a "cancer eating away at our spiritual vitals." It cuts the heart right out of our compassion. It distances us from the great masses of broken bleeding humanity. It converts us into materialists. We become less able to ask moral questions. For example, just because we have the economic muscle to buy up vast amounts of the world's oil, does that give us the right to do so? When the poor farmer of India is unable to buy a gallon of gasoline to run his simple water pump because the world's demand has priced him out of the market, who is to blame?”
About This Quote
Source Book: "Celebration of Discipline", 1978
Excessive consumption erodes spiritual health and compassion, leading to moral blindness and inequality.
In simple terms: Overconsumption harms spirit and fairness.
Key Takeaway
Practice mindful consumption and compassion.
Themes
environmental ethics
spirituality
social justice
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal budgeting
- community sharing
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
materialism
compassion fatigue
economic disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- What daily habits can reduce my consumption?
- How can societies balance needs with sustainability?
A Different Perspective
Economic systems often prioritize profit over people, complicating change.
