Bill Mollison
Bill Mollison
Biography of a Pioneer in Permaculture
Full Name and Common Aliases
Bill Mollison was born on April 3, 1928, in Stanley, Tasmania, Australia. He is often referred to as the "father of permaculture."
Birth and Death Dates
April 3, 1928 – September 24, 2016
Nationality and Profession(s)
Australian environmentalist, ecologist, teacher, and writer.
Early Life and Background
Bill Mollison grew up in a rugged and remote area of Tasmania. His early life was marked by simplicity, self-sufficiency, and close connection with the natural world. This upbringing would later shape his vision for sustainable living. After completing high school, Mollison attended the University of Melbourne to study zoology and botany.
Major Accomplishments
Mollison's work as an environmentalist and educator led him to develop permaculture, a holistic design system that aims to create sustainable ecosystems. He was instrumental in launching the concept globally through his teaching, writing, and collaboration with others. Key achievements include:
Coining the term "permaculture" and creating a comprehensive approach to sustainable living.
Founding the Permaculture Institute of Australia in 1978.
Publishing influential books on permaculture, such as _Permaculture One_ (1978) and _Permaculture: A Designer's Manual_ (1988).
Establishing permaculture courses and training programs worldwide.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Bill Mollison include:
Permaculture One (1978): An introduction to the concept of permaculture.
Permaculture: A Designer's Manual (1988): A comprehensive guide to designing sustainable ecosystems.
The Permaculture Designers' Handbook (1994): A practical guide for permaculture design.Impact and Legacy
Bill Mollison's impact on the world of sustainability is profound. He has inspired countless individuals, communities, and organizations to adopt a more holistic approach to living in harmony with nature. His work continues to influence fields such as agriculture, architecture, and urban planning. Today, permaculture is practiced globally, promoting regenerative living and social transformation.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bill Mollison's legacy extends far beyond his contributions to the field of sustainability. He is widely quoted and remembered for:
Pioneering spirit: Bill Mollison was a true pioneer in permaculture, challenging conventional wisdom and pushing boundaries.
Holistic approach: His work on permaculture embodies a holistic understanding of ecosystems, encompassing social, economic, and environmental aspects.
Passion for sharing knowledge: Throughout his life, Mollison was dedicated to teaching and spreading the principles of permaculture.
The quotes from Bill Mollison on this website are just one reflection of his lasting impact on our understanding of sustainable living.
Quotes by Bill Mollison
Few people today muck around in earth, and when on international flights, I often find I have the only decently dirty fingernails.
Permaculture is an integrated, evolving system of perennial and self-perpetuating plants and animal species useful to man.
Type 1 Error: When we settle into wilderness, we are in conflict with so many life forms that we have to destroy them to exist. Keep out of the bush. It is already in good order.
Animals are the messengers of the tree, and trees the gardens of animals. Life depends upon life. All forces, all elements, all life forms are the biomass of the tree.
To create a mess in which we perish by our own inaction makes nonsense of our claim to consciousness and morality.
Stupidity is an attempt to iron out all differences, and not to use them or value them creatively.
There is no more time-wasting process than that of believing people will act, and then finding that they will not.
The American lawn uses more resources than any other agricultural industry in the world. It uses more phosphates than India and puts on more poisons than any other form of agriculture.
Compressed air can provide limitless amounts of clean energy using technology we have had for hundreds of years.