We cannot cheat on DNA. We cannot get round photosynthesis. We cannot say I am not going to give a damn about phytoplankton. All these tiny mechanisms provide the preconditions of our planetary life. To say we do not care is to say in the most literal sense that "we choose death."
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of fundamental natural processes for life on Earth and the consequences of ignoring them.
Barbara Ward's quote reflects the vital interconnections between various natural processes and life on our planet. By highlighting essential elements like DNA, photosynthesis, and phytoplankton, she insists that neglecting or dismissing these processes equates to a disregard for life itself. It serves as a warning that understanding and respecting the basic mechanisms that sustain life is crucial, as to turn a blind eye to them is essentially choosing death for ourselves and our environment.
In practice
In a speech on environmental conservation, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of respecting natural processes.
On the one hand, we are faced with the stewardship of this beautiful, subtle, incredibly delicate, fragile planet. On the other, we confront the destiny of our fellow man, our brothers. How can we say that we are followers of Christ if this dual responsibility does not seem to us the essence and heart of our religion?
Is it not strange, that sheep's guts should hale souls out of men's bodies!
I was raised a Christian and was a stone-faced acid head.
Memoir is not an act of history but an act of memory, which is innately corrupt.
If we use common words on a great occasion, they are the more striking, because they are felt at once to have a particular meaning, like old banners, or everyday clothes, hung up in a sacred place.
I see with greater and greater clearness that consistent Christianity is the easiest Christianity to defend
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other side
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