If this is not done, future ages will certainly look back upon us as a people so immersed in the pursuit of wealth as to be blind to higher considerations.

The quote "If this is not done, future ages will certainly look back upon us as a people so immersed in the pursuit of wealth as to be blind to higher considerations" by Alfred Russel Wallace offers a warning about the consequences of prioritizing material wealth over more important, moral or ethical concerns. Wallace, a prominent naturalist and biologist, is suggesting that society's fixation on the accumulation of wealth and material success could lead to a future where people are viewed as shallow or neglectful of broader, more meaningful pursuits like social welfare, justice, or spiritual growth.

By referring to "future ages," Wallace is speaking about how history will judge the values and actions of his generation. The concern is that if society continues to place such heavy emphasis on wealth, future generations may see this period as one where people were too focused on economic gain to recognize more important issues, such as the well-being of the planet or the moral responsibilities of individuals and nations. Wallace is urging a shift in focus towards more holistic concerns rather than simply monetary gain.

The phrase "blind to higher considerations" suggests that a relentless pursuit of wealth could lead to a lack of awareness or disregard for important ethical and philosophical matters. This could include issues like human rights, environmental sustainability, and the common good, which Wallace might have seen as being overshadowed by greed and materialism. His concern is that society's values could become distorted, leaving little room for the cultivation of a more balanced, thoughtful approach to life.

Ultimately, Wallace’s quote serves as a critique of the materialistic tendencies of society, urging a reassessment of priorities. It is a call to balance the pursuit of wealth with higher ethical, spiritual, and intellectual considerations. His warning about how future generations might view current practices serves as a reminder that a focus solely on economic success could lead to moral and cultural consequences that would be seen negatively by history.