Married couples who quarrel bitterly every day may really need each other as deeply as those who appear to be desperately in love.
Edward AbbeyRead
An economic system which can only expand or expire must be false to all that is human.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Abbey critiques an economic system that is unsustainable and detrimental to human values.
In this quote, Edward Abbey argues against an economic system that relies solely on endless growth or inevitable decline. He suggests that such a system is inherently flawed as it contradicts the fundamental aspects of being human, emphasizing the need for an economic model that respects human values, equality, and sustainability rather than one that prioritizes unending expansion at the cost of social and environmental well-being.
Themes
EconomySustainabilityGrowthHumanityValues
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about environmental responsibility, one might refer to Abbey's insights on sustainable economic systems.
More from Edward Abbey
All quotes βI love America because it is a confused, chaotic mess - and I hope we can keep it this way for at least another thousand years. The permissive society is the free society.
Edward AbbeyRead
If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
Edward AbbeyRead
The earth is real. Only a fool, milking his cow, denies the cow's reality.
Edward AbbeyRead
I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.
Edward AbbeyRead
Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
Edward AbbeyRead
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I embarked on my life - I didn't do anything. I don't have an explanation.
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