Meaning: The quote by Paul Hawken highlights the idea that as society undergoes significant shifts and changes, the existing forces and value systems that feel threatened by these changes tend to become more coherent and rise to prominence as minority or plurality powers. However, Hawken argues that these forces do not necessarily represent the future or the direction in which society is moving.

This quote encapsulates a broader concept related to societal and environmental change. It speaks to the resistance and pushback that often arises when established systems and beliefs are challenged by new paradigms or movements. In the context of environmentalism, it may be interpreted as a commentary on the struggle between traditional, extractive industries and emerging sustainable practices.

One interpretation of this quote is that when significant societal shifts occur, those who feel threatened by these changes often band together and solidify their positions in an attempt to maintain their influence. This can manifest as a consolidation of power among groups that oppose the shift, leading to increased visibility and influence, despite representing a minority or plurality of the population.

Hawken's assertion that these forces do not represent the shift, the change, or the future suggests that while they may appear to be dominant in the present moment, their ascendancy is not indicative of the long-term trajectory of society. Instead, it implies that these forces are reactionary and may ultimately be overshadowed by the broader changes taking place in society.

In the context of environmentalism, this quote may be seen as a commentary on the struggle between entrenched, fossil fuel-based industries and the growing momentum of renewable energy and sustainable practices. Despite the apparent influence and coherence of the former, Hawken's words suggest that their dominance is not synonymous with the direction in which the future is headed.

This quote also touches on the notion that the most threatened forces and value systems often become more cohesive and organized in response to perceived threats. This phenomenon can be observed in various societal contexts, including political, social, and economic arenas, where groups facing perceived challenges to their interests may mobilize and consolidate power in an effort to maintain the status quo.

Hawken's perspective implies that while these minority or plurality powers may exert significant influence in the present, they do not encapsulate the full spectrum of societal change. The implication is that broader, more transformative forces are at play, which may not be fully represented by the currently coherent and rising powers.

In conclusion, Paul Hawken's quote encapsulates the dynamic interplay between established forces and value systems and the shifting tides of societal change. It underscores the tendency for threatened entities to coalesce and rise to prominence, even as they do not necessarily embody the future trajectory of society. This quote serves as a reminder that despite the apparent power and coherence of certain forces, they may not ultimately represent the true direction of societal change.