Burden Quote by Wendell Berry
“In Kentucky, we're destroying mountains, including their soils and forests, in order to get at the coal. In other words, we're destroying a permanent value in order to get at an almost inconceivably transient value. That coal has a value only if and when it is burnt. And after it is burnt, it is a pollutant and a waste-a burden.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Unforeseen Consequences of Coal Mining, 1970s
Extracting coal destroys lasting natural resources for a brief, harmful energy source.
In simple terms: Mining harms the environment for short‑term gain.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize sustainable energy over short‑term profit.
Themes
environment
economics
sustainability
resource management
ethics
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community activism
- energy planning
- education
- business strategy
Key Concepts
ecology
intergenerational justice
externalities
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies value long‑term ecological health?
- What alternatives can replace coal without harming economies?
A Different Perspective
Transitioning to sustainable energy can be costly and politically contentious.
