“Much as we might wish to believe otherwise, universal love and the welfare of the species as a whole are concepts that simply do not make evolutionary sense”
— Richard Dawkins
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Simplified Meaning:
Our natural instincts are more focused on survival and passing on our own genes rather than the well-being of everyone else. It's like in the wild, where animals look after their own pack or family first. For instance, a mother bear will fiercely protect her cubs but won't care for the offspring of another bear. Evolution has shaped behaviors to favor immediate family because it ensures their genes continue. Humans often act similarly, prioritizing those close to them over strangers. Although it's nice to think we could all care for everyone equally, our basic instincts don't work that way. Understanding this helps us recognize why people might act more selfishly and why such behavior has persisted through time.
Related tags
Altruism Ethics Evolutionary biology Human nature Natural selection Self-interest Social behavior SurvivalFEATURED QUOTES
