"We have to preserve it and use it sustainably. And the short-term use of resources at the destruction of the long-term heritage of this country is not a policy that we can pursue"

Bruce Babbitt emphasizes the critical importance of balancing resource use with the imperative of sustainability. He acknowledges the necessity of utilizing natural resources, but he insists that this must be done in a way that does not jeopardize the lasting wealth and health of the country. Underlying his words is the idea that resources are not merely commodities for immediate consumption but are part of a greater legacy that extends far into the future. The fundamental notion he advances is stewardship. There is a responsibility to protect the richness and variety of the natural environment for future generations, resisting the temptation to maximize short-term economic gains at the expense of irreversible long-term damage.

This perspective challenges policies and practices that prioritize immediate exploitation, such as over-logging, rapid mineral extraction, or reckless development, which might yield swift monetary benefits but could degrade ecosystems, deplete biodiversity, and undermine cultural and natural heritage. Babbitt’s words suggest that a healthier, more prosperous nation rests on the principle of conservation driven by foresight and humility, recognizing that generations to come depend on the decisions made today.

The quote also implicitly critiques a purely utilitarian view of resources, advocating instead for a model in which economic growth and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive but interconnected. Sustainable use calls for careful planning, scientific understanding, and a willingness to forego instant gratification for enduring prosperity. Babbitt is urging policymakers and citizens alike to focus on legacy, asking society to measure success not only by short-term returns but by the quality of what is left behind.

Integral to his vision is a shift in values: promoting patience, discipline, and a deeper sense of common purpose, so that the cumulative benefit of preserving natural resources outweighs the fleeting lure of overuse. This philosophy stresses ethical responsibility, fairness to future generations, and a recognition that good governance involves safeguarding the nation’s inheritance as much as its present needs.