Background Image
There is an obvious evolutionary explanation for the scarcity of altruistic saints: without a strong predilection for their own interests, our ancestors would have been unlikely to survive, reproduce, and give their own offspring a chance of doing the same. now conditions have changed and for most of us, surviving and reproducing isn't such a struggle but we still carry the genes of our ancestors and they influence - not determine, but influence - our behavior.
-Peter Singer
Please Wait....
Translating....

There Is An Obvious Evolutionary Explanation For

Peter Singer
There is an obvious evolutionary explanation for the scarcity of altruistic saints: without a strong predilection for their own interests, our ancestors would have been unlikely to survive, reproduce, and give their own offspring a chance of doing the same. now conditions have changed and for most of us, surviving and reproducing isn't such a struggle but we still carry the genes of our ancestors and they influence - not determine, but influence - our behavior.
Views: 4
Cite this Page
Prevent plagiarism by providing proper attribution.
APA FORMAT
Embed this Quote
Copy this HTML code to embed the quote on your website or blog.
HTML CODE
Topic
Strong Struggle Giving

More From Peter Singer

Complex organisms cannot be construed as the sum of their genes, nor do genes alone build particular items of anatomy or behavior by themselves. most genes influence several aspects of anatomy and behavior as they operate through complex interactions with other genes and their products, and with environmental factors both within and outside the developing organism. we fall into a deep error, not just a harmful oversimplification, when we speak of genes "for" particular items of anatomy or behavior.
Fall Errors Interaction With Others
We can now determine, easily and relatively cheaply, the detailed chemical architecture of genes ; and we can trace the products of these genes ( enzymes and proteins ) as they influence the course of embryology . in so doing we have made the astounding discovery that all complex animal phyla - arthropods and vertebrates in particular - have retained, despite their half-billion years of evolutionary independence, an extensive set of common genetic blueprints for building bodies.
Animal Discovery Years
Racists violate the principle of equality by giving greater weight to the interests of members of their own race when there is a clash between their interests and the interests of those of another race. sexists violate the principle of equality by favoring the interests of their own sex. similarly, speciesists allow the interests of their own species to override the greater interests of members of other species. the pattern is identical in each case.
Sex Animal Race
Even in chimps there is true altruistic behaviour; behaviour that doesn't fit into the sociobiological model that says you either help a close relative and thereby your own genes, or you help somebody else now in return for their help in the future. when a very high-ranking male chimpanzee rescues a little orphan, saving his life, that kind of explanation doesn't work.
Saving Littles Return
The great majority of people are calm, resourceful, altruistic or even beyond altruistic, as they risk themselves for others. we improvise the conditions of survival beautifully.
People Risk Survival
When our embassy is attacked in benghazi by terrorists and there is no response, you get more bad behavior. when russia invades ukraine and there is no response, you get more bad behavior. when syria crosses the red line and there is no response, you get more bad behavior. when iran launches tests of ballistic missiles and there is no response, you get more bad behavior. when north korea attacks sony pictures and there is no response, you get more bad behavior. in other words, mrs. clinton, you cannot lead from behind. we must respond when we are attacked or provoked.
Russia Ukraine Iran
Similar Quotes
Socialism in russia has not brought about an improvement in the conditions of the average man which can be compared with the improvement of conditions, during the same period, in the united states.
Freedom Men Russia
Russia will honour its international commitments. our country is a reliable borrower, a reliable creditor and a reliable supplier. sanctions come and go, but business ties, economic interests and the reputation of a state remain
Country Commitment Russia
Like russia's gangsterism and bush's cronyism, contemporary iraq is a creation of the fifty-year crusade to privatize the world. rather than being disowned by its creators, it deserves to be seen as the purest incarnation yet of the ideology that gave it birth.
Iraq Russia Years
No principle of general law is more universally acknowledged, than the perfect equality of nations. russia and geneva have equal rights. it results from this equality, that no one can rightfully impose a rule on another....as no nation can prescribe a rule for others, none can make a law of nations.
Law Russia Rights

Trending Author

Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Chet Atkins
Chet Atkins
Carl Schurz
Carl Schurz
Mary McCarthy
Mary McCarthy
Eldridge Cleaver
Eldridge Cleaver
John O. Brennan
John O. Brennan
Category
Information
Inspirational
Philosophy
Personal Growth
Happiness & Joy
Life Lessons
Success & Business
Motivation