How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Having gotten everyone in a lather by interfering with nature for years, it has decided now not to interfere with nature at all, even when [...] demonstrably beneficial. (1.7.30)
Whoever guessed that this is another quote about the Forest Service earns a Shmoop Gold Star (disclaimer: Shmoop Gold Stars are not redeemable for real money). For real though: these guys just can't do anything right, according to Bryson. While there are a ton of smart and dedicated people who work there, the organization as a whole seems like a mess.
Quote #5
In 1951 [...] Gatlinburg had just one retail business [...] By 1987, Gatlinburg had sixty motels and 200 gift shops. (1.8.12)
That's insane. Here, we see a different sort of consequence to technological progress: the rise of consumer America. To be honest, we're not really sure what's worse: environmental pollution or strip malls and infomercials.
Quote #6
In just over thirty years the American chestnut became a memory. The Appalachians lost four billion trees, a quarter of its cover, in a generation. (1.10.18)
Dang—we never thought we'd shed a tear over a chestnut (except in appreciation of their inherent deliciousness, of course). Once again, however, we're presented with evidence that mankind is wreaking havoc on the planet Earth, destroying species that have thrived for thousands of years.