Humanity Quote by Arthur Peacocke
“Humanity could only have survived and flourished if it held social and personal values that transcended the urges of the individual, embodying selfish desires - and these stem from the sense of a transcendent good.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Theology and the Scientific Imagination, Arthur Peacocke, 1990
Human flourishing depends on values beyond self‑interest, rooted in a sense of a higher good that guides both society and individuals.
In simple terms: Society needs values beyond selfish desires.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate transcendent values.
Themes
ethics
community
spirituality
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- social movements
- personal development
- policy making
- education
- leadership
Key Concepts
transcendence
collective good
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions foster transcendent values?
- What personal practices nurture a sense of higher good?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can dominate without supportive structures.
