# Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a… by E. O. Wilson > "Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal." > **— E. O. Wilson**, *Widely attributed conservation remark; source pending* Verification Status: Unverified — exact wording/source has not yet been independently confirmed against a primary source; source clue: Widely attributed conservation remark; source pending.