The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun. – Ralph Nader, quoted in Linda Botts, ed., Loose Talk, 1980

Such is the audacity of man, that he hath learned to counterfeit Nature, yea, and is so bold as to challenge her in her work. – Pliny the Elder, The Natural History, translated by Philemon Holland

Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying the earth. – Albert Schweitzer, quoted in James Brabazon, Albert Schweitzer

We shall continue to have a worsening ecologic crisis until we reject the Christian axiom that nature has no reason for existence save to serve man. – Lynn White, Jr., "The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis," 1967