Animal Quote by Thomas Berry
“The time has come to lower our voices, to cease imposing our mechanistic patterns on the biological processes of the earth, to resist the impulse to control, to command, to force, to oppress, and to begin quite humbly to follow the guidance of the larger community on which all life depends.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Environmental Ethics Lecture, 1990s
Humanity should stop imposing rigid, mechanistic systems on nature and instead humbly follow the broader ecological community that sustains all life.
In simple terms: Live in harmony with nature, not domination.
Key Takeaway
Respect ecological limits and collaborate with the planet.
Themes
environment
humility
interdependence
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- urban planning
- education
- community activism
Key Concepts
ecology
systems thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies shift from control to cooperation?
- What practices embody ecological humility?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑rooted industrial habits is difficult.
![“During this period (of technological confinement / [and language]) the human mind has been placed in its narrowest confines it has experienced since consciousness emerged from its Paleolithic phase. Even the most primitive tribes have a larger vision of the universe, of our place and functioning…” quote by Thomas Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/64a/thomas-berry-7391_celestial_during-this-period-of-technological-conf_237540.jpg)
