To bring about destruction by overcrowding, mass starvation, anarchy, the destruction of our most cherished values, there is no need to do anything. We need only do nothing except what comes naturally, and breed. And how easy it is to do nothing
Interpretation
The quote warns of the dangers of inaction in the face of societal issues, emphasizing that neglect can lead to collapse.
Isaac Asimov's quote highlights the inherent dangers of apathy and inaction regarding important societal challenges. It suggests that while the act of breeding, or contributing to population growth, may come naturally, doing nothing about the accompanying social and environmental issues can lead to severe consequences such as destruction and chaos. Asimov challenges us to recognize that inaction is itself a choice that can result in negative outcomes, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in safeguarding our values and society.
In practice
During a discussion on environmental issues, one might quote this to stress the importance of activism.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation. Human dignity cannot survive it. Convenience and decency cannot survive it. As you put more and more people into the world, the value of life not only declines, but it disappears. It doesn't matter if someone dies.
Science does not promise absolute truth, nor does it consider that such a thing necessarily exists. Science does not even promise that everything in the Universe is amenable to the scientific process.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation.
Although the time of death is approaching me, I am not afraid of dying and going to Hell or (what would be considerably worse) going to the popularized version of Heaven. I expect death to be nothingness and, for removing me from all possible fears of death, I am thankful to atheism.
A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
During the century after Newton, it was still possible for a man of unusual attainments to master all fields of scientific knowledge. But by 1800, this had become entirely impracticable.
Humanity is the higher meaning of our planet, the nerve that connects this part of it with the upper world, the eye it raises to heaven.
Feelings come, and feelings go, and feelings are deceiving. My warrant is the Word of God, naught else is worth believing.
Paracelsus At times I almost dream I too have spent a life the sages’ way, And tread once more familiar paths. Perchance I perished in an arrogant self-reliance Ages ago; and in that act a prayer For one more chance went up so earnest, so Instinct with better light let in by death, That life was blotted out — not so completely But scattered wrecks enough of it remain, Dim memories, as now, when once more seems The goal in sight again.
A Chinaman of the T'ang Dynasty—and, by which definition, a philosopher—dreamed he was a butterfly, and from that moment he was never quite sure that he was not a butterfly dreaming it was a Chinese philosopher. Envy him; in his two-fold security.
Searchers after horror haunt strange, far places.
Mass communication, radio, and especially television, have attempted, not without success, to annihilate every possibility of solitude and reflection.
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