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Air Quote by Wendell Berry

“With its array of gadgets and machines, all powered by energies that are destructive of land or air or water, and connected to work, market, school, recreation, etc., by gasoline engines, the modern home is a veritable factory of waste and destruction. It is the mainstay of the economy of money…” quote by Wendell Berry
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“With its array of gadgets and machines, all powered by energies that are destructive of land or air or water, and connected to work, market, school, recreation, etc., by gasoline engines, the modern home is a veritable factory of waste and destruction. It is the mainstay of the economy of money. But within the economies of energy and nature, it is a catastrophe. It takes in the world's goods and converts them into garbage, sewage, and noxious fumes-for none of which have we found a use.”

Wendell Berry

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Unsettling of America, 1970

The modern home consumes resources and emits waste, turning prosperity into environmental harm while sustaining economic systems.

In simple terms: Homes waste resources and pollute.

Key Takeaway

Reduce consumption and redesign living spaces.

Themes

environment economy consumption pollution sustainability

Mood

concerned critical

Type

environmental reflective

When to use this quote

  • home design
  • energy policy
  • urban planning
  • personal lifestyle choices

Key Concepts

Ecology industrialism externalities

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance comfort with ecological impact?
  • What changes in daily habits could lower waste?
A Different Perspective

The quote ignores potential benefits of technology and renewable energy solutions.

2.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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