"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise."
This is perhaps the most well known quote of the essay collection, used to this day by many ecologists. Simply said, the quote tells that the difference between right and wrong is the difference between contributing to your community or taking away from it.
"In March 1922, the 'Big Sleet' tore the neighboring elms from limb to limb, but there was no sign of damage to our tree. What is a ton of ice, more or less, to a good oak?"
Nature is a strong force, and it cannot be overcome by weather, perhaps its inner enemy. An elm tree is just one example of the strength of the biotic factors of the ecosystem - large, tall, and able to withstand large amounts of stress.
"In 1874, the first factory-made barbed wire was stapled to oak trees; I hope no such artifacts are buried in the oak now under saw!"
"In a countdown of years, Leopold describes the destruction that man has inflicted on Nature. One example of this destruction is drawing lines within Nature, this time with barbed wire. Meant for man's own benefit, the wire cuts off larger mammals from area to area, and harms the surrounding ecosystem."
"In 1872, the last wild Wisconsin Turkey was killed, two counties to the southwest."
Another example of the destruction that man can cause, this shows how quickly man can ruin an ecosystem within a small area in a short amount of time. Leopold's goal in writing this book was perhaps to slow or stop this destruction, and to educate the public about it.
