A Lot Easier To Destroy One Than To Make One

(I’m taking a class on sustainability. We’re currently talking about the footprint humans leave on the earth and how damaging it is.)

Professor: “So, our current way of life would only be sustainable if we were able to inhabit 1.5 Earths.”

Student: “Is that a problem?”

Professor: *upon realizing she’s serious* “Uh, yeah, it is, actually.”

Student: “Why? I don’t see a problem.”

Professor: “Well, do you have another half-Earth lying around somewhere?”

Student: “No.”

Professor: “Well, then, there’s a problem.”

Student: “Can’t we just make another Earth?”

(I’ve heard lots of dumb things said over the years, but I think that takes the cake.)