Assumption Quote by Wendell Berry
““We have lived by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. ... We have been wrong. We must change our lives, so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption that what is good for the world will be good for us. . . We must recover the sense of the majesty of the creation and the ability to be worshipful in its presence. For it is only on the condition of humility and reverence before the world that our species will be able to remain in it.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Great Turning", 1999
We must reverse selfish thinking, placing the planet’s health above personal gain, embracing humility and reverence.
In simple terms: Put the world’s good before personal good.
Key Takeaway
Live humbly, protect nature.
Themes
environment
ethics
humility
interdependence
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community projects
- personal lifestyle changes
- education programs
Key Concepts
sustainability
anthropocentrism
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies incentivize collective environmental care?
- What personal habits reflect reverence for nature?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑rooted self‑interest is difficult and may meet resistance.
