My father so appropriately put it that we are certainly the only animal that makes conscious choices that are bad for our survival as a species.
Interpretation
Humans often make decisions that are detrimental to their own well-being and survival despite having the capacity to choose otherwise.
Louise Leakey's quote highlights the paradox of human behavior, where, unlike any other species, humans have the unique ability to make conscious choices, but often these choices are detrimental to their own survival and that of the species. It underscores the complexity of human decision-making, illustrating that intelligence does not always lead to choices that benefit our existence, reflecting a deeper philosophical inquiry into the nature of humanity and our impact on the world.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion on environmental issues to illustrate how human choices impact the planet.
If you want to become a fossil, you actually need to die somewhere where your bones will be rapidly buried. You then hope that the earth moves in such a way as to bring the bones back up to the surface. And then you hope that one of us lot will walk around and find small pieces of you.
I think when you work on fossils, and you realize that a species is there, and it's abundant for quite a long period of time, and then at some point it's no longer there - and so, when you look at that bigger picture, yes, you realize that either you change and adapt, or, as a species, you go extinct.
Immortality: A toy which people cry for, And on their knees apply for, Dispute, contend and lie for, And if allowed Would be right proud Eternally to die for.
The boundaries of democracy have to be widened so as to include economic equality also. This is the great revolution through which we are all passing.
Since you know me and my destiny only too well, you probably also know what attracts me to all unfortunate people.
An honorable man or woman is one who is truthful; free from deceit; above cheating, lying, stealing, or any form of deception. An honorable man or woman is one who learns early that one cannot do wrong and feel right. A man's character is judged on how he keeps his word and his agreements.
There's always something suspect about an intellectual on the winning side.
Globalization, as defined by rich people like us, is a very nice thing... you are talking about the Internet, you are talking about cell phones, you are talking about computers. This doesn't affect two-thirds of the people of the world.
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