"If people destroy something replaceable made by mankind, they are called vandals; if they destroy something irreplaceable made by God, they are called developers"

This quote by Joseph Wood Krutch speaks to the damage of nature by people. It indicates that when human beings ruin something that has been created by humanity, such as a building or an art piece, they are identified as vandals. Nevertheless, when human beings ruin something that has been developed by God, such as a forest or a mountain, they are identified as developers. This quote is a criticism of the way humans have actually treated nature, and how we have actually focused on development over conservation. It suggests that humans have a tendency to prioritize development over preservation, and that this is wrong. It also indicates that nature is irreplaceable, which it should be respected and protected. This quote works as a pointer that nature is precious and ought to be secured, which human beings need to reconsider prior to damaging something that has been created by God.