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Many people require more than just evidence before they’ll…

“Many people require more than just evidence before they’ll accept evolution. To these folks, evolution raises such profound questions of purpose, morality, and meaning that they just can’t accept it no matter how much evidence they see. It’s not that we evolved from apes that bothers them so much…” quote by Jerry A. Coyne
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““Many people require more than just evidence before they’ll accept evolution. To these folks, evolution raises such profound questions of purpose, morality, and meaning that they just can’t accept it no matter how much evidence they see. It’s not that we evolved from apes that bothers them so much; it’s [[the emotional consequences of facing that fact.]] And unless we address those concerns, we won’t progress in making evolution a universally acknowledged truth.””

Jerry A. Coyne

About This Quote

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

Evolution challenges people’s sense of purpose and morality; addressing emotional concerns is essential for broader acceptance.

In simple terms: Evolution conflicts with personal purpose and morality.

Key Takeaway

Address emotional aspects to foster scientific acceptance.

Themes

science communication evolution purpose morality public perception

Mood

thoughtful empathetic

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • education curricula
  • public debates
  • faith‑science dialogue
  • media outreach

Key Concepts

psychology of belief philosophy of science

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we bridge science and meaning?
  • What role does morality play in acceptance?
A Different Perspective

Evidence alone may not change deeply held beliefs.

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