The quotation I’ve selected to designate as this month’s ‘Quote of the Month’ is one of my favorites. In fact, I’ve already shared it multiple times on this website.
Interestingly, however, it appears nowhere else on the internet. The same holds true regarding each of my previous featured ‘Quote of the Month’ selections (based on Google searches) — they can only be found here on my website (though one appeared on Facebook, as Google notes). Even my inaugural ‘Quote of the Month’ — not a “quotation,” per se (but what a perfect one to start with!) — surprisingly, can’t be found anywhere else on the internet. I just don’t get it.
Well, actually, of course, I do get it. There just isn’t much serious interest in saving the planet. And I’m in a much better position than most to know that (assuming my Inbox were any indication).
One thing my July 2026 ‘Quote of the Month’ (which I’ll get to shortly), and my April 2026 ‘Quote of the Month,’ have in common, is both were originally acquired from the same source; and I’m going to share that source with you today!
Truthfully, though, that website isn’t as good as I remembered it to be. For one thing, it’s weirdly shaped. Its homepage is one long, narrow column, that you have to scroll down and down. Also, the quotations aren’t accessible through a navigation bar. The links are concealed within that long, narrow column. But I’ll reveal the secret to finding those quotations, after I give you this month’s ‘Quote of the Month.’ Here it is:
The multiple threats to the Earth are so complex that in most cases they seem beyond the reach of an average citizen’s influence. Yet we can all launch a personal campaign to reduce consumption — though perhaps only after a change of mind-set, to overcome the fear of seeming poor, parsimonious or eccentric. This does not mean being deprived or uncomfortable. It simply means stopping to think, before each purchase, ‘Do I really need this?’ For years a small minority has been living and thinking thus. If a large majority did likewise — if frugality and shabbiness could become trendy — then the Earth, though not saved, would be measurably less endangered. — Dervla Murphy, Irish author
I can’t help but be reminded of this quotation, every year, around the time when you start noticing Christmas decorations going up in stores. Isn’t this a magnificent quotation? I love it!
Okay, now I’ll share with you how to find my original source for this quotation (it’s also where you can find my April ‘Quote of the Month’). First, go to: web.archive.org. In the Wayback Machine search box, type in: blackhole.on.ca. Hit “Enter” key. Click on “2006.” Click on “February 3rd.” Click on the timestamp inside the dialog box that pops up. This will take you to that now defunct website.
Once you’re on that archived website, scroll down about halfway. Then, start scrolling up. As you do so, focus your attention on the right side. After scrolling up just a bit, you’ll see this: “more quotes (5).” The text is yellow and underlined. That is page five of that defunct site’s five pages of quotations. If you keep scrolling up you’ll find pages one through four, similarly displayed. There are also quotations, as you’ll see, embedded all throughout that homepage. Plus, on many of the linked pages, you’ll find more. It’s a bit messy (the way it’s set up), if you ask me. There are quotations all over the place.
While it’s not as good a site as I recall, it is where I found those two exceptionally great quotations. And there might be more (equally as good). I can’t recall whether I’ve seen all of them or not (appearing on those 5 pages). Plus, as stated, there are others displayed on that homepage and on the linked pages.
If you find any others in particular you would like to bring to my attention, drop me an email, I’d love to hear which ones you most particularly like.
[Note: When you visit defunct websites via the Wayback Machine, keep in mind those archived versions might not be optimized for viewing on a smartphone.]