Edward Abbey Quotes

1927–1989 United States

Edward Paul Abbey (29 January 1927 – 14 March 1989) was an American writer noted for his advocacy of environmental issues and criticism of public land policies.

United States
Anarchists
Environmentalists
Essayists
Novelists

Also known as: Abbey, Edward

Random Edward Abbey quote

93 quotes

Each thing in its way, when true to its own character, is equally beautiful.

Desert Solitaire (1968)

The plow has probably done more harm — in the long run — than the sword.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

If wilderness is outlawed, only outlaws can save wilderness.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain't nothing can beat teamwork.

The Monkey Wrench Gang (1975)

Abolition of a woman's right to abortion, when and if she wants it, amounts to compulsory maternity: a form of rape by the State.

We're all undesirable elements from somebody's point of view.

Abbey's Road (1979)

My job is to save the fucking wilderness. I don't know anything else worth saving.

The Monkey Wrench Gang (1975)

When the biggest, richest, glassiest buildings in town are the banks, you know that town's in trouble.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

Most academic economists know nothing of economy. In fact, they know little of anything.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

From the point of view of a tapeworm, man was created by God to serve the appetite of the tapeworm.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

With the neutron bomb, which destroys life but not property, capitalism has found the weapon of its dreams.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

Nothing could be older than the daily news, nothing deader than yesterday's newspaper.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns.

Abbey's Road (1979)

The more corrupt a society, the more numerous its laws.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

One thing more dangerous than getting between a grizzly sow and her cub is getting between a businessman and a dollar bill.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

I hold no preference among flowers, so long as they are wild, free, spontaneous. (Bricks to all greenhouses! Black thumb and cutworm to the potted plant!)

Desert Solitaire (1968)

To die alone, on rock under sun at the brink of the unknown, like a wolf, like a great bird, seems to me very good fortune indeed.

Desert Solitaire (1968)

Anarchism is founded on the observation that since few men are wise enough to rule themselves, even fewer are wise enough to rule others.

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) (1990)

I'd sooner exchange ideas with the birds on earth than learn to carry on intergalactic communications with some obscure race of humanoids on a satellite planet from the world of Betelgeuse.

Desert Solitaire (1968)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Edward Abbey (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.