Air Quote by Wallace Stegner
“Fossil energy is the worst discovery man ever made, and his disruption of the carbon-oxygen cycle is the greatest of his triumphs over nature. Through thinner and thinner air we labor toward our last end, conquerors finally of even the earth chemistry that created us.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Last Frontier", 1973
Fossil fuels harm nature, yet humanity persists in exploiting them despite consequences.
In simple terms: Fossil energy damages Earth, but we keep using it.
Key Takeaway
Seek sustainable alternatives.
Themes
environment
energy
technology
humanity
nature
Mood
somber
urgent
Type
environmental
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- energy sector
- education
- personal lifestyle
Key Concepts
climate change
resource depletion
industrial progress
Questions to Reflect On
- What can individuals do to reduce fossil use?
- How can societies balance progress and ecology?
A Different Perspective
Transition to green energy faces economic resistance.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)