Children Quote by W. S. Merwin
“Politically it would be terribly repressive to prevent people from having as many children as they want. But something's got to prevent it; and it won't be pleasant... We're still behaving in ways that have become disastrous... I don't think this helps us to survive... We're very species-centric... and now exist at the expense of every other form of life on Earth.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The World” (excerpt) 1970
Human population growth threatens ecological balance, and our species‑centric view harms other life forms.
In simple terms: Too many people harm Earth’s ecosystems.
Key Takeaway
Consider sustainable living choices.
Themes
environment
ethics
population
Mood
reflective
urgent
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- family planning
- policy making
- education programs
Key Concepts
anthropocentrism
ecological collapse
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do we have to other species?
- How can we reduce our ecological footprint?
A Different Perspective
Balancing human needs with planetary health is complex.
