Inspiration is not garnered from the litanies of what may befall us; it resides in humanity's willingness to restore, redress, reform, rebuild, recover, reimagine, and reconsider.
Paul HawkenRead
We are now heading down a centuries-long path toward increasing the productivity of our natural capital - the resource systems upon which we depend to live - instead of our human capital.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on our natural resources rather than just on human productivity.
Paul Hawken highlights the long-term trajectory of society towards enhancing the productivity of the environment or natural resources—what he refers to as 'natural capital'—instead of solely prioritizing human labor or human capital. He suggests that our survival and quality of life depend significantly on how we manage and invest in the ecological systems that sustain us.
Themes
Natural CapitalProductivitySustainabilityEnvironmentResources
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about sustainability, one might say, 'As we focus on natural capital, we echo Paul Hawken's insight into our environmental responsibilities.'
More from Paul Hawken
All quotes →We can no longer prosper by increasing human productivity. The more we try to do, the more poverty we will create.
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At present we are stealing the future, selling it in the present, and calling it gross domestic product.
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How much harm does a company have to do before we question its right to exist?
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We have the capacity to create a remarkably different economy: one that can restore ecosystems and protect the environment while bringing forth innovation, prosperity, meaningful work, and true security.
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You are Brilliant and the Earth is Hiring.
Paul HawkenRead
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