Back Quote by Susan George
“The natural capital is not income, but we spend our natural capital as if it were revenue, as if it were going to come back next year without any problems, whereas these renewals in nature can take hundreds of years.”
About This Quote
Source Book: How the World Works, Susan George, 1998
We treat Earth's resources like short‑term profit, ignoring that natural renewal takes centuries, risking depletion.
In simple terms: We spend nature like money, but it recovers slowly.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect ecological time scales.
Themes
environment
economics
sustainability
resource management
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
ethical
policy
educational
When to use this quote
- policy planning
- business strategy
- personal consumption
- education
- investment decisions
Key Concepts
intergenerational equity
ecosystem services
renewable limits
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we align economic incentives with ecological cycles?
- What policies could enforce sustainable resource use?
A Different Perspective
Short‑term gains often ignore long‑term ecological costs.
