Inspiring quotations about nature and humanity

17 December 2010
A man with his camel in the desert

The Environmental Satellite assembled the following inspirational quotes to lift up a moral voice in addressing the ecological challenges facing humanity today, including curbing climate change.

They present ways of understanding nature and humanity’s place in creation from major religious, spiritual, indigenous, and ethical traditions. Originally prepared for the climate negotiations in Cancun, Mexico, in late 2010, we invite CCs and other visitors to this site to duplicate and use these quotes in any way you deem appropriate.

And of course, feel free to add to this list!

Baha’i: Know thou that every created thing is a sign of the revelation of God. ~ Bahá’u’lláh

Buddhism: Even as a mother protects with her life her only child, so with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings, radiating kindness over the entire world, spreading upwards to the skies, and downwards to the depths, outwards and unbounded. ~ Buddha

Christianity: The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. ~ Jesus

Confucianism: Does Heaven say anything? The four seasons pursue their courses, and all things are continually being produced. Does Heaven say anything? ~ Confucius

We are indebted to GreenFaith Australia (http://www.greenfaithaustralia.org/), the Green Rule Study Guide (http://greeningsacredspaces.net/docs/greenrulehandbook.pdf) of Faith & the Common Good, and Religions for Peace (www.wcrp.org) for compilations of quotes from which these have been drawn. Their original sources, however, are prophetic voices and scriptural texts from across the ages and around the world.