In 1912, environmentalist John Muir voiced his strong opposition to the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Dam, criticizing those who prioritize commercial interests over nature. He described these individuals as "temple destroyers" who lack respect for the natural world and worship money instead of appreciating the beauty of the mountains.

David Gessner's book "All The Wild That Remains" highlights Muir's perspective, illustrating the ongoing conflict between environmental preservation and commercial exploitation. Muir's thoughts resonate with current debates on the importance of protecting natural landscapes against destructive developments.