Consider this: all the ants on the planet, taken together, have a biomass greater than that of humans. Ants have been incredibly industrious for millions of years. Yet their productiveness nourishes plants, animals, and soil. Human industry has been in full swing for little over a century, yet it has brought about a decline in almost every ecosystem on the planet. Nature doesn't have a design problem. People do.

Summary

This quote highlights the stark contrast between the industriousness and positive impact of ants on the environment, and the detrimental effects that human industrialization has had in a comparatively short period of time. It suggests that nature itself is not to blame for the decline in ecosystems, but rather it is the result of human actions and disregard for the natural world. The quote suggests that humans need to reassess their approach and find ways to align their industry with the preservation and well-being of ecosystems, rather than causing their decline.

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