I don't think whole populations are villainous, but Americans are just extraordinarily unaware of all kinds of things. If you live in the middle of that vast continent, with apparently everything your heart could wish for just because you were born there, then why worry? [...] If people lose knowledge, sympathy and understanding of the natural world, they're going to mistreat it and will not ask their politicians to care for it.

Summary

This quote suggests that while whole populations may not be inherently villainous, Americans, in particular, are often unaware or ignorant about many things due to their comfortable and privileged lives. The quote highlights the geographical and cultural isolation of the United States, suggesting that people who have seemingly everything may not feel the need to worry or make efforts to understand and appreciate the natural world. This lack of knowledge and empathy towards the natural world can lead to its mistreatment and a lack of demand for environmental protection from politicians.

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