"The problem of the environment is the extension of good housekeeping of the thinking woman"
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Marjory Stoneman Douglas, an American reporter and environmentalist, made significant contributions to the preservation movement, particularly in her advocacy for the Florida Everglades. Her quote, "The problem of the environment is the extension of good housekeeping of the thinking woman", shows a profound understanding of environmental stewardship as an intrinsic part of daily life and private obligation, particularly concentrating on the function of women.
To translate this quote, we must initially consider the societal context in which Douglas lived and worked. In the early to mid-20th century, females were generally seen as the main caretakers of the home. Housekeeping, at that time, involved managing resources wisely, maintaining order, and ensuring the health and safety of the household. By extending this metaphor of "excellent house cleaning" to the environment, Douglas calls for a wider sense of custodianship, recommending that ecological concerns require the very same attention, care, and management that a prudent homemaker would use to their own home.
The expression "believing woman" is particularly considerable. It acknowledges women's intelligence and capability beyond domestic spheres, prompting them to apply their skills and insights to deal with bigger social and ecological concerns. Douglas suggests that attending to ecological obstacles is not simply a job for scientists or policymakers however likewise for conscientious individuals, especially females, who can extend their nurturing instincts and management skills to the natural world.
In addition, Douglas's choice of words positions environmental obligation as a sensible extension of domestic virtues. By framing it this way, she highlights the interconnectedness between individual and planetary health. The environmental crisis, just like home management, needs foresight, planning, and the sustainable use of resources.
Ultimately, Marjory Stoneman Douglas's quote requires a collective effort to secure and maintain our environment, advocating for a shift in state of mind where looking after the Earth becomes as natural and essential as keeping one's own home. Her message stays appropriate today, as it inspires individuals, particularly ladies, to harness their strengths and take proactive roles in cultivating environmental sustainability.
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