Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
As man advances in civilization, and small tribes are united into larger communities, the simplest reason would tell each individual that he ought to extend his social instincts and sympathies to all members of the same nation, though personally unknown to him. This point being once reached, there is only an artificial barrier to prevent his sympathies extending to the men of all nations and races.
Interpretation
What this quote means
As society progresses, individuals should recognize their shared humanity and extend their empathy beyond familiar circles.
In this quote, Charles Darwin emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals in increasingly interconnected societies to broaden their empathy and understanding beyond their immediate social circles. He argues that as communities grow and evolve, the natural inclination should be to embrace a sense of kinship with all people, transcending artificial barriers like nationality and race that divide us. Darwin suggests that the notion of a shared humanity is essential for the progress of civilization, encouraging individuals to foster connections with others, even those who are strangers.
Themes
EmpathyHumanitySocietyCivilizationConnections
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about global unity, this quote can highlight the importance of extending kindness beyond borders.
More from Charles Darwin
All quotes →The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
Charles DarwinRead
I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
Charles DarwinRead
We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
Charles DarwinRead
I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
Charles DarwinRead
we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
Charles DarwinRead
Similar quotes
Federalism is the best curb on democracy. [It] assigns limited powers to the central government. Thereby all power is limited. It excludes absolute power of the majority.
Lord ActonRead
I grew up in a tough neighborhood and we used to say you can get further with a kind word and a gun than just a kind word.
David MametRead
If the Word of God is living and powerful, and if the Lord does all things whatsoever he wills; if he said, "Let there be light", and it happened; if he said, "let there be a firmament", and it happened; ...if finally the Word of God himself willingly became man and made flesh for himself out of the most pure and undefiled blood of the holy and ever Virgin, why should he not be capable of making bread his Body and wine and water his Blood?... God said, "This is my Body", and "This is my Blood."
John Of DamascusRead
Yes, hope is a strange thing. Peace at last. But at what price?
Khaled HosseiniRead
I find this in all these places I've been travelling - from India to China, to Japan and Europe and to Brazil - there is a frustration with the terms of public discourse, with a kind of absence of discussion of questions of justice and ethics and of values.
Michael SandelRead
Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.
George Bernard ShawRead