David Attenborough Quotes

Powerful David Attenborough for Daily Growth

About David Attenborough

David Frederick Attenborough, a global treasure in natural history broadcasting, was born on August 8, 1926, in London, England. Growing up during World War II, his childhood was marked by the bombings of London, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature as an escape from the chaos. His interest in zoology was sparked early when he visited London Zoo at age 7. After attending grammar school, Attenborough studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge University where he earned a degree in 1948. It was there that he met and befriended future collaborator, the renowned evolutionary biologist and broadcaster, Richard Leakey. Attenborough began his career at the BBC as a production assistant. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become Controller of BBC Two (1965-1982), overseeing landmark programs like "Monty Python's Flying Circus" and "Doctor Who." However, it was his return to natural history documentaries in 1979 that truly solidified his legacy. Since then, Attenborough has produced and presented more than 60 films as part of the groundbreaking series "Planet Earth," "Blue Planet," "Life," and "The Hunt." His work is characterized by stunning visuals, comprehensive narratives, and a deep respect for the natural world. With over nine decades spent in broadcasting, Attenborough has inspired countless individuals to appreciate and protect our planet's biodiversity. In 2018, he became the oldest recipient of a BAFTA Fellowship, celebrating his extraordinary contributions to broadcasting. As we look toward the future, Attenborough continues to remind us that "the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life on Earth is at the brink of disaster."

The quote "Life on Earth is at the brink of disaster" by David Attenborough implies that humanity's actions are pushing Earth's ecosystems, habitats, and living species to a critical point where irreversible damage and loss may occur. This statement underscores the urgency for global cooperation to address pressing environmental issues like climate change, deforestation, pollution, and overpopulation before it's too late and we face catastrophic consequences for life on Earth. It calls attention to our shared responsibility to protect and conserve the planet for future generations.


"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

This quote emphasizes the importance of experiencing diverse cultures, landscapes, and ways of life, beyond what one might encounter in their immediate surroundings. Just as reading a book exposes us to new ideas, places, and characters, traveling allows us to broaden our perspectives and understandings of the world around us. It encourages us not to limit ourselves to a single page or experience, but to actively seek out and engage with the richness that the world offers. In essence, it's a call to embrace curiosity, open-mindedness, and a spirit of adventure.


"Every single species counts, and every last one of them is precious."

This quote underscores the importance and irreplaceable value of each and every species on Earth. By suggesting that "every single species counts," Sir David Attenborough emphasizes the interconnectedness and balance within our planet's ecosystems, as well as the role each species plays in preserving this delicate equilibrium. Moreover, his statement "every last one of them is precious" highlights the profound importance of biodiversity for our survival and a sustainable future. In essence, it emphasizes that every creature deserves respect, protection, and care.


"We are part of nature, and it's absolutely absurd to think that we can exist without it."

David Attenborough emphasizes the interconnectedness between humanity and nature in this quote. He suggests that humans, despite our distinctiveness, are not separate from nature but an integral part of it. Our survival and existence depend on a healthy and thriving natural world, which provides us with essential resources like food, water, air, and materials. Therefore, any harm inflicted upon the environment ultimately impacts us as well. It is absurd to think that we can ignore or exploit nature without facing consequences.


"I don't wish all my time had been spent in a comfortable chair, reading a good book."

This quote emphasizes the importance of experiencing life beyond merely intellectual pursuits. It suggests that while reading a good book can provide valuable knowledge and enjoyment, it is also essential to engage with the world directly – to explore, learn from experiences, and grow as an individual. In essence, it encourages balance in our lives, urging us not to neglect the value of real-world experiences in favor of armchair knowledge.


It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.

- David Attenborough

Beauty, Living, Natural, Source

London has fine museums, the British Library is one of the greatest library institutions in the world... It's got everything you want, really.

- David Attenborough

London, Want, British, Institutions

I can mention many moments that were unforgettable and revelatory. But the most single revelatory three minutes was the first time I put on scuba gear and dived on a coral reef. It's just the unbelievable fact that you can move in three dimensions.

- David Attenborough

Fact, Three, Put, Unbelievable

People are not going to care about animal conservation unless they think that animals are worthwhile.

- David Attenborough

Think, Conservation, Going, Animal

Birds are the most popular group in the animal kingdom. We feed them and tame them and think we know them. And yet they inhabit a world which is really rather mysterious.

- David Attenborough

Think, Which, Inhabit, Animal

Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?

- David Attenborough

More, Everyone, Accessible, Ears

Getting to places like Bangkok or Singapore was a hell of a sweat. But when you got there it was the back of beyond. It was just a series of small tin sheds.

- David Attenborough

Small, Back, Like, Bangkok

It is that range of biodiversity that we must care for - the whole thing - rather than just one or two stars.

- David Attenborough

Biodiversity, Rather, Range, One Or Two

It's coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so. It's not just climate change; it's sheer space, places to grow food for this enormous horde. Either we limit our population growth or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now.

- David Attenborough

Environmental, Doing, Next, Population Growth

I had a huge advantage when I started 50 years ago - my job was secure. I didn't have to promote myself. These days there's far more pressure to make a mark, so the temptation is to make adventure television or personality shows. I hope the more didactic approach won't be lost.

- David Attenborough

Secure, Had, Didactic, Temptation

I've been bitten by a python. Not a very big one. I was being silly, saying: 'Oh, it's not poisonous...' Then, wallop! But you have fear around animals.

- David Attenborough

Big, Very, Big One, Poisonous

We really need to kick the carbon habit and stop making our energy from burning things. Climate change is also really important. You can wreck one rainforest then move, drain one area of resources and move onto another, but climate change is global.

- David Attenborough

Another, Global, Our, Drain

We keep putting on programmes about famine in Ethiopia; that's what's happening. Too many people there. They can't support themselves - and it's not an inhuman thing to say. It's the case. Until humanity manages to sort itself out and get a coordinated view about the planet it's going to get worse and worse.

- David Attenborough

Out, About, Putting, Famine

Crying wolf is a real danger.

- David Attenborough

Wolf, Real, Danger, Crying

Steve Irwin did wonderful conservation work but I was uncomfortable about some of his stunts. Even if animals aren't aware that you are not treating them with respect, the viewers are.

- David Attenborough

Work, Some, About, Treating

As far as I'm concerned, if there is a supreme being then He chose organic evolution as a way of bringing into existence the natural world... which doesn't seem to me to be necessarily blasphemous at all.

- David Attenborough

Existence, Seem, Concerned, Chose

You know, it is a terrible thing to appear on television, because people think that you actually know what you're talking about.

- David Attenborough

Think, Television, About, Terrible Thing

What I am interested in with birds, just as I am with spiders or monkeys, is what they do and why they do it.

- David Attenborough

I Am, Why, Interested, Monkeys

I'm not a propagandist, I'm not a polemicist; my primary interest is just looking at and trying to understand how animals work.

- David Attenborough

Work, Understand, How, Just Looking

To suggest that God specifically created a worm to torture small African children is blasphemy as far as I can see. The Archbishop of Canterbury doesn't believe that.

- David Attenborough

Small, Worm, Created, Specifically

It is vital that there is a narrator figure whom people believe. That's why I never do commercials. If I started saying that margarine was the same as motherhood, people would think I was a liar.

- David Attenborough

Think, Figure, Commercials, Narrator

Television of course actually started in Britain in 1936, and it was a monopoly, and there was only one broadcaster and it operated on a license which is not the same as a government grant.

- David Attenborough

Which, Britain, Broadcaster, Grant

An understanding of the natural world and what's in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment.

- David Attenborough

Curiosity, World, Natural, Natural World

The whole of science, and one is tempted to think the whole of the life of any thinking man, is trying to come to terms with the relationship between yourself and the natural world. Why are you here, and how do you fit in, and what's it all about.

- David Attenborough

Why, Here, About, Natural World

People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.

- David Attenborough

Amazing, Important, Natural World

Being in touch with the natural world is crucial.

- David Attenborough

World, Natural, Crucial, Natural World

You can only get really unpopular decisions through if the electorate is convinced of the value of the environment. That's what natural history programmes should be for.

- David Attenborough

Natural, Through, Programmes, Electorate

You can cry about death and very properly so, your own as well as anybody else's. But it's inevitable, so you'd better grapple with it and cope and be aware that not only is it inevitable, but it has always been inevitable, if you see what I mean.

- David Attenborough

Death, Been, Very, Cope

I'm luckier than my grandfather, who didn't move more than five miles from the village in which he was born.

- David Attenborough

More, Move, Which, Luckier

I'm against this huge globalisation on the basis of economic advantage.

- David Attenborough

Against, Advantage, Huge, Economic

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.