"Loads of chemicals and hazardous wastes have been introduced into the atmosphere that didn't even exist in 1948. The environmental condition of the planet is far worse than it was 42 years ago."

Philosophy

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Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Philosophy as articulated by Gaylord Nelson. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Philosophy provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

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About Gaylord Nelson

Gaylord Anton Nelson was an American lawyer, Democratic politician, and environmentalist from Wisconsin. He served three terms as a United States senator from Wisconsin, from 1963 to 1981, and was chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Small Business for the last six years of his tenure. During his time in the U.S. Senate, he was the creator of Earth Day, which launched a new wave of environmental activism. After losing his bid for re-election in 1980, he continued his environmental activism as counselor for The Wilderness Society, and was honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom for his environmental efforts by President Bill Clinton.

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More by Gaylord Nelson

"Franklin Roosevelt was very concerned about environmental issues."

— Gaylord Nelson
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"In the state of Wisconsin it's mandated that teachers in the social sciences and hard sciences have to start giving environmental education by the first grade, through high school."

— Gaylord Nelson
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"The most important environmental issue is one that is rarely mentioned, and that is the lack of a conservation ethic in our culture."

— Gaylord Nelson
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More about Philosophy

"Besides, I think that when one has been through a boarding school, especially then, you have some resistance, because it was both fine comradeship and a fairly hard training."

— Arne Jacobsen
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"I think the teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any other single profession."

— John Wooden
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"Badminton is not popular in the U.S. because I think the mentality of badminton has to change."

— Howard Bach
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"I think as an investigative reporter I had tough standards, but I don't think of myself as a tough person."

— Jill Abramson
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