Religion is a feature of cultural evolution that, among other things, addresses anxieties created by cultural evolution; it helps keep social change safe from itself.
Robert WrightRead
Think of it : zillions and zillions of organisms running around, each under the hypnotic spell of a single truth, all these truths identical, and all logically incompatible with one another : 'My hereditary material is the most important material on earth; its survival justifies your frustration, pain, even death'. And you are one of those organisms, living your life in the thrall of a logical absurdity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the nature of existence and how individual perspectives can lead to conflicting beliefs, all while being driven by the innate desire for survival.
Robert Wright's quote delves into the paradox of life, where countless organisms are compelled by a singular, yet contradictory, truth: the belief that their own genetic material is of utmost importance. This perspective fosters a sense of urgency and justification for actions, which can lead to frustration and suffering, suggesting that we are all caught in a cycle of pursuing survival based on flawed, incompatible beliefs.
Themes
ExistenceTruthSurvivalPerspectiveAbsurdity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a philosophical discussion on the nature of truth and reality.
More from Robert Wright
All quotes →Understanding the often unconscious nature of genetic control is the first step toward understanding that—in many realms, not just sex—we’re all puppets, and our best hope for even partial liberation is to try to decipher the logic of the puppeteer.
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...human beings are a species splendid in their array of moral equipment, tragic in their propensity to misuse it, and pathetic in their ignorance of the misuse.
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