David Attenborough Quotes

To many people, 'biodiversity' is almost synonymous with the word 'nature,' and 'nature' brings to mind steamy forests and the big creatures that dwell there. Fair enough. But biodiversity is much more than that, for it encompasses not only the diversity of species, but also the diversity within species.

Life solves its problems with well-adapted designs, life-friendly chemistry and smart material and energy use.

This all comes down to what we know about life on Earth.

Nature conserves, prefers novelty.

The continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is important to the quality of life of humans.

As founder and co-chair of the upper Mississippi River Congressional task force, I have long sought to preserve the river's health and historical multiple uses, including as a natural waterway and a home to wildlife, for the benefit of future generations of Americans.

The quicker we humans learn that saving open space and wildlife is critical to our welfare and quality of life, maybe we'll start thinking of doing something about it.

Life is a force in its own right. It is a new element. And it has altered the Earth. It covers Earth like a skin.

The diversity of life is so stimulating for me.

Species conversation is beyond a doubt an issue that truly matters to the American public.

The problem that we, as living organisms, face - and not we only, humans, but any living organism faces - is the management of life.

Many parks in Florida have information kiosks with colorful enamel signs showing the special flora and fauna in the park. The gopher tortoise, the scrub jay, the indigo snake. At no park with an indigo snake on its kiosk signs could I find an indigo.

It is absolutely imperative that we protect, preserve and pass on this genetic heritage for man and every other living thing in as good a condition as we received it.

When you think about it, if the fittest always won, all forests should be completely homogeneous. One species should supplant all others as the most superior competitor. But it doesn't happen that way. Nor does it happen that way in the marketplace.

I believe sustainable use is the greatest propaganda in wildlife conservation at the moment.

The more you know about a species, the more you understand about how better to help protect them.

If every human being disappeared off the face of the earth in an instant, the earth would still keep spinning and the planet would develop new life forms.

It is only of life on Earth, however, that one can speak with any certainty. It seems to me that all life on Earth, the sum total of life upon the Earth, has purpose.

But naturalists are now beginning to look beyond this, and to see that there must be some other principle regulating the infinitely varied forms of animal life.

Conservation of land and conservation of people frequently go hand in hand

Every other civilized nation in the world has been compelled to care for its forests, and so must we if waste and destruction are not to go on to the bitter end, leaving America as barren as Palestine or Spain.

Yellowstone wildlife is treasured. We understand that. We'll manage them in a way that addresses that sensitivity.

The protection of biodiversity and, therefore, of endangered species is an issue to which I attach a great deal of importance.

In fact, if you think hard about it, animal conservation should actually be anathema to the Darwin-loving liberal agenda, which holds up evolution - and not altruistic compassion - as the final word on the survival of a species.

Life is a copiously branching bush, continually pruned by the grim reaper of extinction, not a ladder of predictable progress.