Environmentalists have long been fond of saying that the sun is the only safe nuclear reactor, situated as it is some ninety-three million miles away. – Stephanie Mills, ed., In Praise of Nature, 1990

When some high-sounding institute states that a compound is harmless or a process free of risk, it is wise to know whence the institute or the scientists who work there obtain their financial support. – Lancet, editorial on the "medical-industrial complex," 1973

I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority. – Elwyn Brooks White, Essays of E.B. White, 1977

How can the spirit of the earth like the white man?… Everywhere the white man has touched it, it is sore. – Anonymous Wintu Woman