The parable of the Greek king Erysichthon comes to mind. Erysichthon was a greedy and powerful ruler focused on expanding his empire. In the search for lumber to build a grand feasting hall, he ventured into a grove of sacred trees belonging to the Goddess Demeter.

Ignoring the hesitation of his people who revered the sacred site, and defying warnings from the Gods, Erysichthon chopped down the sacred grove.

Demeter, outraged by his disrespect to the divine connection between nature and man, cursed him with the spirit of insatiable hunger. The more he ate – the stronger his hunger became.