Catastrophe Quote by Val Plumwood
“Now suppose that the clue experiences that can correct the illusion become for some reason increasingly scarce – perhaps because the dominant story itself brings about their elimination! Then the illusion might go on for a very long time, might have to result in real catastrophe, before anyone realizes anything is wrong.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Environmental Ethics, 1995
When dominant narratives suppress corrective insights, illusion persists, risking disaster before truth is recognized.
In simple terms: Stories that silence critique can cause long‑term harm.
Question prevailing narratives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What dominant story do you accept?
- How can you seek corrective clues?
Changing entrenched stories is slow and resistant.