Air Quote by Robert Redford
“We've poisoned the air, the water, and the land. In our passion to control nature, things have gone out of control. Progress from now on has to mean something different. We're running out of resources and we are running out of time.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Environmental Advocacy, 1990s
Human activity has damaged ecosystems, and future progress must prioritize sustainability and resource limits.
In simple terms: We damaged nature; future must be sustainable.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize sustainable development.
Themes
environment
sustainability
resource limits
ethics
future planning
Mood
concerned
urgent
reflective
Type
warning
call to action
When to use this quote
- policy making
- corporate strategy
- personal lifestyle choices
Key Concepts
Ecology
systems thinking
intergenerational justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we redesign growth to respect planetary limits?
- What trade‑offs are acceptable for long‑term survival?
A Different Perspective
Progress without sustainability leads to collapse.
![“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)