Environmental concern is a little like dieting or paying off credit-card debt - an episodically terrific idea that burns brightly and then seems to fade when we realize there's a reason we need to diet or pay down our debt. The reason is that it's really, really hard, and too many of us in too many spheres of life choose the easy over the hard.

Jon Meacham’s quote, "Environmental concern is a little like dieting or paying off credit-card debt - an episodically terrific idea that burns brightly and then seems to fade when we realize there's a reason we need to diet or pay down our debt. The reason is that it's really, really hard, and too many of us in too many spheres of life choose the easy over the hard," compares environmental concern to common challenges like dieting or paying off credit-card debt. Meacham highlights how these ideas often gain momentum but tend to lose steam when the difficulty of sustained effort becomes apparent. While the need for environmental action is critical, just like the need to manage finances or improve health, the challenge lies in maintaining commitment over time.

The meaning behind the quote is a critique of human nature’s tendency to choose the easy path over the hard one, even when the consequences of inaction are significant. Meacham draws a parallel between our short-lived enthusiasm for environmental causes, dieting, and financial responsibility—all of which require sustained effort, discipline, and sacrifice. He suggests that people often start with good intentions, but the difficulty of making real, long-term changes can cause interest and action to fade.

The origin of this perspective comes from Meacham’s background as a historian and author, where he often examines patterns in human behavior and societal challenges. His reflections on environmental issues are rooted in the broader context of how individuals and societies respond to problems that require long-term commitment. This perspective is grounded in the observation that while issues like climate change, health, and personal finance are urgent, the effort needed to address them consistently proves to be difficult and inconvenient.

Ultimately, Meacham’s quote serves as a reminder of the complexity involved in making lasting, meaningful changes in our lives and society. Whether it's addressing environmental concerns, managing health, or maintaining financial responsibility, the quote underscores that hard work and persistence are necessary for real progress. The challenge, he argues, is that the allure of easy solutions often outweighs the long-term effort required to achieve meaningful change.