Corporations Quote by Wendell Berry
““Can we actually suppose that we are wasting, polluting, and making ugly this beautiful land for the sake of patriotism and the love of God? Perhaps some of us would like to think so, but in fact this destruction is taking place because we have allowed ourselves to believe, and to live, a mated pair of economic lies: that nothing has a value that is not assigned to it by the market; and that the economic life of our communities can safely be handed over to the great corporations. (from 'Compromise, Hell!' published in the November/December 2004 issue of ORION magazine)””
About This Quote
The quote critiques the belief that market values and corporate control justify environmental degradation, arguing that patriotism and religious devotion are being misused to legitimize ecological harm.
In simple terms: Market‑driven values erode nature.
Key Takeaway
Economic myths enable environmental destruction.
Themes
environmental ethics
economics
political ideology
spiritualism
corporate power
Mood
concerned
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
environmental
When to use this quote
- policy debates on land use
- community planning meetings
- activist campaigns
- corporate lobbying
- religious community discussions
Key Concepts
market valuation
corporate governance
patriotic rhetoric
environmental stewardship
Practical Applications
- advocacy for community‑owned resources
- educational programs on ecological economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we reconcile economic growth with ecological preservation?
- What alternative value systems could replace market‑centric thinking?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that market mechanisms can incentivize sustainable practices, but this often overlooks power imbalances.
![“I am somewhat influenced by the years that I've spent trying to actually get things done, whether it was reforming education in Arkansas or a survey and Legal Services Corporation board when President [Jimmy ]Carter appointed me and trying to get lawyers for poor people. I have worked in these…” quote by Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6c7/hillary-clinton-51_action_i-am-somewhat-influenced-by-the-years-th_9078.jpg)
