Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it

Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it

The quote "Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it" is often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. This quote reflects Roosevelt's deep appreciation for the natural world and his belief in the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Roosevelt was a passionate conservationist who believed that the natural beauty of the American landscape should be protected and preserved. He was instrumental in the creation of the National Park system, setting aside millions of acres of land for the enjoyment of all Americans. Roosevelt understood that the natural world had been shaped by millions of years of evolution and that human intervention could disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems.

In his time as President, Roosevelt worked tirelessly to protect the environment and promote conservation efforts. He established the United States Forest Service and signed the Antiquities Act, which allowed him to designate national monuments to protect important natural and cultural sites. Roosevelt's efforts laid the foundation for modern conservation policies and set a precedent for future leaders to follow.

The quote "Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it" reflects Roosevelt's belief that nature should be left untouched and allowed to thrive on its own. He understood that human intervention could have unintended consequences and that the best way to protect the environment was to simply let it be. By preserving the natural world, Roosevelt believed that future generations would be able to enjoy the same beauty and wonder that he had experienced.