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Why fight the 'natural' (oh, weaselly word!) order of…

“Why fight the 'natural' (oh, weaselly word!) order of things? Why? Because of this--one fine day, a purely predatory world shall consume itself. In an individual, selfishness uglifies the soul; for the human species, selfishness is extinction.” quote by David Mitchell
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“Why fight the 'natural' (oh, weaselly word!) order of things? Why? Because of this--one fine day, a purely predatory world shall consume itself. In an individual, selfishness uglifies the soul; for the human species, selfishness is extinction.”

David Mitchell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Selfishness leads to personal and societal decay; cooperation is essential for survival.

In simple terms: Selfishness harms individuals and humanity.

Key Takeaway

Practice empathy and cooperation.

Themes

ethics human nature society

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • environmental policy
  • business ethics
  • community building

Key Concepts

altruism collective responsibility existential risk

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates selfish actions?
  • How can societies foster altruism?
A Different Perspective

Selfish behavior can be driven by survival instincts.

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