The change of mind I am talking about involves not just a change of knowledge, but also a change of attitude toward our essential ignorance, a change in our bearing in the face of mystery. The principle of ecology, if we will take it to heart, should keep us aware that our lives depend on other lives and upon processes and energies in an interlocking system that, though we can destroy it, we can neither fully understand nor fully control. And our great dangerousness is that, locked in our selfish and myopic economies, we have been willing to change or destroy far beyond our power to understand.

Summary

This quote addresses the need for a profound shift in our thinking. It suggests that true transformation involves more than just acquiring new knowledge; it requires a change in our attitude towards the limitations of our understanding. The principle of ecology serves as a reminder that our existence is intricately linked to other living beings and natural processes. While we possess the ability to harm and manipulate the environment, the quote highlights the danger of our tendency to overstep boundaries without comprehending the full consequences. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a more interconnected perspective to protect our fragile world.

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