Bill Mollison, the father of permaculture, left behind wisdom that still inspires sustainable living today. His quotes are packed with insights on nature, design, and how humans can work with the earth instead of against it. Whether you’re new to permaculture or a seasoned practitioner, these quotes will spark fresh ideas.
Bill Mollison on Permaculture Principles
🔹 “Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature.”
🔹 “The only ethical decision is to take responsibility for our own existence and that of our children.”
🔹 “Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.”
Mollison believed that nature already has the answers. Instead of forcing landscapes to fit our needs, we should observe and adapt.
On Observing Nature
🔹 “The greatest change we need to make is from consumption to production, even if on a small scale.”
🔹 “You don’t have a snail problem, you have a duck deficiency.”
🔹 “Good design allows for failure. Nature does it all the time.”
He often used humor to make a point. If pests overrun your garden, maybe you need predators—not pesticides.
On Sustainable Living
🔹 “The yield of a system is theoretically unlimited.”
🔹 “Wealth is a deep understanding of the natural world.”
🔹 “The role of beneficial authority is to return function and responsibility to life and to people.”
Mollison saw abundance where others saw scarcity. A well-designed system provides more than just food—it builds resilience.
On Human Impact
🔹 “Modern agriculture is the use of land to convert petroleum into food.”
🔹 “We’re the only species that creates deserts.”
🔹 “If we lose the forests, we lose our only teachers.”
His words remind us that short-term gains often lead to long-term destruction. Nature teaches balance—if we listen.
On Problem-Solving
🔹 “The problem is the solution.”
🔹 “Wealth is not money—it’s having what you need when you need it.”
🔹 “Design is the bridge between ecology and economy.”
Instead of fighting challenges, Mollison saw them as opportunities. A weed isn’t just a nuisance—it might be medicine or food.
On Community & Responsibility
🔹 “The greatest change we need to make is from consumption to production.”
🔹 “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”
🔹 “The best place to start is right where you are.”
He believed action beats theory. Even a small garden or rainwater system makes a difference.
On Simplicity & Efficiency
🔹 “Complex systems are more productive than simple ones.”
🔹 “Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things.”
🔹 “The more connections, the more stability.”
Diversity creates resilience. A monoculture farm fails easily—a permaculture system thrives because everything supports everything else.
On Learning from Nature
🔹 “Nature is the best teacher.”
🔹 “We don’t have to invent sustainable living—it’s already here.”
🔹 “The forest is the most productive agricultural system on earth.”
Forests don’t need fertilizers or irrigation. They just work. Mollison urged us to mimic these patterns.
Final Thoughts
Bill Mollison’s words are more than quotes—they’re a roadmap for living sustainably. His ideas challenge us to rethink how we interact with the planet.
📌 Key Takeaways:
◆ Work with nature, not against it.
◆ Every problem has a solution hidden in it.
◆ Small actions add up to big change.
What’s one Mollison quote that changed how you see the world? 🌱