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.
Paul HawkenRead
What I see everywhere in the world are ordinary people willing to confront despair, power, and incalculable odds in order to restore some semblance of grace, justice, and beauty to this world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the bravery of ordinary individuals who fight against adversity in pursuit of goodness and beauty in the world.
In this quote, Paul Hawken highlights the resilience and determination of everyday people who choose to face daunting challenges, such as despair and oppression. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them, these ordinary individuals strive to bring about positive change and restore values like grace, justice, and beauty. This sentiment serves as a reminder of the collective power of humanity to confront difficulties and contribute to a better world.
Themes
Ordinary PeopleDespairJusticeGraceBeauty
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used as a powerful opener for a speech about social justice.
More from Paul Hawken
All quotes →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.
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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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