--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: People need open space. People need to…" description: "\"People need open space. People need to bring their children into an area where they can play without restriction.\" And I was told, \"This is development..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55c/wangari-maathai-2479_air_people-need-open-space-people-need-to-br_842913.jpg" --- # People need open space. People need to bring their… ![“People need open space. People need to bring their children into an area where they can play without restriction." And I was told, "This is development." And I said, "That is not development, definitely not sustainable development, definitely not responsible development. People need fresh air…” quote by Wangari Maathai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55c/wangari-maathai-2479_air_people-need-open-space-people-need-to-br_842913.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55c/wangari-maathai-2479_air_people-need-open-space-people-need-to-br_842913.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55c/wangari-maathai-2479_air_people-need-open-space-people-need-to-br_842913.jpg) > “People need open space. People need to bring their children into an area where they can play without restriction." And I was told, "This is development." And I said, "That is not development, definitely not sustainable development, definitely not responsible development. People need fresh air. They can do without buildings. They can do without concrete. But they cannot do without fresh air.” [Wangari Maathai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wangari-maathai/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Development should prioritize open, natural spaces for health and sustainability, not endless construction. **In simple terms:** People need nature, not more buildings. Key Takeaway Advocate for green spaces in urban planning. Themes environment development sustainability health Mood hopeful determined Type environmental activist When to use this quote - city parks - school playgrounds - community gardens Key Concepts urban planning ecology public policy Questions to Reflect On - What policies can protect natural spaces? - How can communities demand greener development? A Different Perspective Balancing growth with nature is challenging in dense cities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Environment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/environment/) [Fresh air](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fresh-air/) [Open space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/open-space/) [Open spaces](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/open-spaces/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/space/) [Sustainable development](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sustainable-development/) ## Related quotes > [Responsible Development shares many practices with XP but the roots are different. Responsible Development's values are honesty, transparency, accountability and responsibility. 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