The Ecological Balance of Tomorrow

This a small part of:

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS
POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE
WORLD DAY OF PEACE

1 JANUARY 2008

"Respecting the environment does not mean considering material or animal nature more important than man. Rather, it means not selfishly considering nature to be at the complete disposal of our own interests, for future generations also have the right to reap its benefits and to exhibit towards nature the same responsible freedom that we claim for ourselves. Nor must we overlook the poor, who are excluded in many cases from the goods of creation destined for all. Humanity today is rightly concerned about the ecological balance of tomorrow. It is important for assessments in this regard to be carried out prudently, in dialogue with experts and people of wisdom, uninhibited by ideological pressure to draw hasty conclusions, and above all with the aim of reaching agreement on a model of sustainable development capable of ensuring the well-being of all while respecting environmental balances."

I read and enjoyed Dust of the Time's reminder of some timeless proverbs we have all heard but may need to revisit! As she says, " good environmental science naturally adheres to proverbs I learned as a child."

1. Cleanliness is next to godliness.
2. Waste not, want not.
3. Haste makes waste.
4. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
5. A place for everything and everything in its place.
6. A stitch in time saves nine.
7. One man's junk is another man's treasure.
8. One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel.
9. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
10. Better safe than sorry
11. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.