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About this quote

What does it mean?
Each era tends to consume future possibilities through shortsighted desire for wealth and power.
In plain terms
People in every generation use up tomorrow's chances by chasing money now.
What can you take from it?
Short-term greed harms long-term prospects.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • resource management
  • parenting

Putting it to work

  • evaluating short-term gains
  • planning for sustainability

Questions to consider

  • What are we leaving for the next generation?
  • Is our wealth worth the cost?

Another view

Some progress requires taking risks that look like waste in hindsight.

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