"The ultimate test of a man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard."
"Franklin Roosevelt was very concerned about environmental issues."
Source: Gayl Jones (2016). “The Healing”, p.30, Beacon Press
About the author
Gaylord Nelson
Politician
Gaylord Nelson was a U.S. Senator and environmentalist known for founding Earth Day and advocating for significant environmental legislation.
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More quotes by Gaylord Nelson
"Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures."
"The most important environmental issue is one that is rarely mentioned, and that is the lack of a conservation ethic in our culture."
"The fate of the living planet is the most important issue facing mankind."
"The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity... that's all there is. That's the whole economy. That's where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world."
"Loads of chemicals and hazardous wastes have been introduced into the atmosphere that didn't even exist in 1948. The environmental condition of the planet is far worse than it was 42 years ago."