Fallen angel Quote by A.J. Jacobs
““philosophy I studied philosophy for four years. But I'd trade everything I learned for this passage... quoted in the Britannica: 'But we were born of risen apes, not fallen angels, and the apes were armed killers besides. And so what shall we wonder at? Our murders and massacres and missiles, and our irreconcilable regiments? Or our treaties whatever they may be worth; our symphonies however seldom they may be played; our peaceful acres, however frequently they may be converted into battlefields; our dreams however rarely they may be accomplished. The miracle of man is not how far he has sunk but how magnificently he has risen. We are known among the stars by our poems, not our corpses.' Amen.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Answers by A.J. Jacobs, 2010
Human greatness lies in our capacity to rise above violent origins, creating art, peace, and meaning rather than being defined by destruction.
In simple terms: We are defined by our rise, not our fall.
Key Takeaway
Focus on creating lasting cultural contributions.
Themes
human nature
progress
culture
violence
hope
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- education
- artistic creation
- peacebuilding
- personal development
- social activism
Key Concepts
existentialism
anthropology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What can you do to contribute positively to humanity?
- How does recognizing our violent past shape future choices?
A Different Perspective
Human nature is complex; progress is not guaranteed.
