We can not suppose that all the breeds were suddenly…
““We can not suppose that all the breeds were suddenly produced as perfect and as useful as we now see them; indeed, in many cases, we know that this has not been their history. The key is man's power of accumulative selection: nature gives successive variations; man adds them up in certain directions useful to him. In this sense he may be said to have made for himself useful breeds.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human selection shapes species over time, unlike natural perfection.
In simple terms: Man guides useful traits.
Key Takeaway
Apply intentional improvement.
Themes
evolution
human agency
progress
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- Agriculture
- domestication
- technology development
Key Concepts
Accumulative selection
artificial breeding
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical limits exist in shaping life?
- How does this view affect conservation?
A Different Perspective
Assumes humans always act beneficially.