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“We should not live by Darwinian principles. But Darwin explains how we got here”

Richard Dawkins

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The quote is saying that we shouldn't live our lives according to the idea of "survival of the fittest," where only the strongest or most suited thrive, which comes from Darwin's theory of evolution. Instead, Darwin's theory helps us understand the process of how different species, including humans, have evolved over time. For example, just because animals in nature compete for resources, it doesn't mean people should treat each other harshly or only look out for themselves. In real life, if we followed strict Darwinian principles, we might ignore the needs of vulnerable people, thinking only the strong should survive. However, understanding evolution shows us the history of life on Earth and how species adapt but doesn't dictate our moral or social behavior. Instead, we can choose to be compassionate and support each other, recognizing that cooperation and kindness are also key to thriving as a society. By doing so, we build a world that values care and support over mere competition.

Related tags
Biology Darwin Ethics Evolution History Human behavior Natural selection Philosophy Science Survival
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