"Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal"

This quote by E. O. Wilson is an effective metaphor that speaks to the worth of the rainforest and its damage for financial gain. It suggests that the jungle is a valuable artwork, like a Renaissance painting, and that ruining it for financial gain belongs to burning a priceless painting to cook a meal. The quote indicates that the destruction of the rain forest is a short-sighted and foolish decision, as the economic gain is not worth the loss of the rainforest's beauty and its irreplaceable resources. It likewise recommends that the jungle is an important asset that should be maintained and protected, instead of destroyed for short-term economic gain. The quote functions as a suggestion of the value of preserving the rain forest and its resources for future generations.