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The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us the less taste we shall have for the destruction of our race. Wonder and humility are wholesome emotions, and they do not exist side by side with a lust for destruction.

— Rachel Carson

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Space

More quotes by Rachel Carson

In our modern world nothing may be taken for granted-not even the spring songs that herald the return of the birds.

Vanishing Americans (1959)

I like to define biology as the history of the earth and all its life — past, present, and future.

Preface to Humane Biology Projects (1961)

Man's future welfare and probably even his survival depend upon his learning to live in harmony, rather than in combat, with these forces.

As human beings, we are part of the whole stream of life.

Speech (1954)

The most alarming of all man's assaults upon the environment is the contamination of air, earth, rivers, and sea with dangerous and even lethal materials.

Silent Spring (1962)

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Since, in the long run, every planetary society will be endangered by impacts from space, every surviving civilization is obliged to become spacefaring — not because of exploratory or romantic zeal, but for the most practical reason imaginable: staying alive.

Carl Sagan Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space (1994)

The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence. Nature never wears a mean appearance.

Ralph Waldo Emerson Nature (1836)

Her blue eyes sought the west afar,
For lovers love the western star.

Walter Scott The Lay of the Last Minstrel (1805)

Einstein's space is no closer to reality than Van Gogh's sky.

Arthur Koestler The Act of Creation (1964)

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Rachel Carson (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.