Quote by Theodore Roosevelt, speaking to
And now, first and foremost, you can never afford to forget for a moment what is the object of our forest policy. That object is not to preserve forests because they beautiful, though that is good in itself; nor because they are refuges for the wild creatures of the wilderness, though that, too, is good in itself; but the primary object of our forest policy, as of the land policy of the United States, is the making of prosperous homes. It is part of the traditional policy of home making in our country. Every other consideration comes as secondary. You yourselves have got to keep this practical object before your minds: to remember that a forest which contributes nothing to the wealth, progress, or safety of the country is of no interest to the Government, and should be of little interest to the forester. Your attention must be directed to the preservation of forests, not as an end in itself, but as the means of preserving and increasing the prosperity of the nation.
Summary
This quote emphasizes that the main objective of forest policy is not simply to preserve forests for their beauty or as habitats for wildlife, but rather to create prosperous homes and contribute to the wealth, progress, and safety of the nation. It emphasizes the practical importance of forests in supporting the well-being of society and directs the forester's focus towards the preservation and utilization of forests as a means to enhance national prosperity. Ultimately, the quote highlights the instrumental role of forests, emphasizing that their value lies in their contribution to the nation's success rather than their intrinsic qualities alone.
Topics
Conservation
Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.
