Habits Quote by Arkady Strugatsky
““Or how about this hypothetical definition. Reason is a complex type of instinct that has not yet formed completely. This implies that instinctual behavior is always purposeful and natural. A million years from now our instinct will have matured and we will stop making the mistakes that are probably integral to reason. An then, if something should change in the universe, we will all become extinct - precisely because we will have forgotten how to make mistakes, that is, to try various approaches not stipulated by an inflexible program of permitted alternatives.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Hard to Be a God, Arkady Strugatsky, 1964
Reason evolves from instinct; losing the ability to err may lead to extinction when change occurs.
In simple terms: Reason grows from instinct; forgetting mistakes could doom us.
Key Takeaway
Preserve flexibility and embrace error.
Themes
evolution
reason
extinction
change
mistakes
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
speculative
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- philosophical debate
- future planning
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
instinctual behavior
error tolerance
adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should mistakes play in progress?
- How can we balance error tolerance with safety?
A Different Perspective
Assuming all mistakes are beneficial ignores harmful errors.
