Attitude Quote by W. S. Merwin
“What I really believe is the only hopeful relation between our life and the whole of life is one of reverence and respect and of feeling at one with it. The other attitude which is the one our society is based on is devastating and it is killing the earth and it is killing us too.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Earth Is a Living Thing, W. S. Merwin, 1972
Human life should coexist with the planet through reverence, while current exploitative attitudes harm both Earth and humanity.
In simple terms: Respect the Earth; avoid destructive attitudes.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate reverence for nature.
Themes
environment
ethics
humanity
spirituality
interdependence
Mood
hopeful
reflective
urgent
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- daily living
- policy making
- education
- community planning
Key Concepts
sustainability
eco-ethics
holistic worldview
Questions to Reflect On
- What daily actions can you take to honor the Earth?
- How can societies shift from exploitation to reverence?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep-seated societal attitudes is extremely challenging.
