Assets Quote by Wendell Berry
“There is a religious principle: Love thy neighbour as thyself. But it's also an economic asset. If you've got a neighbour, you've got help, and this implies another limit. If you want to have neighbours, you can't have a limitless growth economy. You have to prefer to have a neighbour rather than to own your neighbour farm.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Gift of the Earth, Wendell Berry, 1975
Love for neighbors is both moral and practical; it limits endless growth and fosters mutual support.
In simple terms: Neighborly love is both ethical and economic.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize community over endless expansion.
Themes
ethics
economics
community
sustainability
limits on growth
Mood
reflective
concerned
hopeful
Type
ethical
environmental
When to use this quote
- rural living
- urban planning
- business models
- resource management
- social policy
Key Concepts
reciprocity
common good
environmental stewardship
Questions to Reflect On
- What trade‑offs exist between growth and community?
- How can policies encourage neighborly support?
A Different Perspective
Economic pressures may push societies toward individualism, eroding neighborly bonds.
![“[When I die], I will decidedly not be regretting missed opportunities for a good time. My regrets will be more along the lines of a sad list of people hurt, people let down, assets wasted and advantages squandered.” quote by Anthony Bourdain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ba3/anthony-bourdain-649_advantage_when-i-die-i-will-decidedly-not-be-regre_24502.jpg)
