Brutality Quote by Ashim Shanker
““It would be both foolish and cumbersome to continue our everyday existences in bliss without first denying to ourselves, for the sake of excusing our own repugnance, the inherent cruelty from which modern civilization was conceived...And there can be no other path by which a fiercely competitive, yet social species, as humanity, can afford its members the level of safety, prosperity and stability—such that we enjoy now— without its initial pangs of cannibalism, brutality, dominance and cruelty to forge the foundations, very much like the lava which formed the ground upon which we now stand. Lava still erupts from the core. Brutality, Dominance, and Cruelty similarly erupt from ours; and they are no less prevalent now than in early human history.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Civilization’s Dual Nature,” 2020
Human progress depends on confronting inherent cruelty; without confronting our violent origins, societies cannot achieve lasting safety and prosperity.
In simple terms: Facing our violent past is essential for progress.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and address humanity’s darker impulses.
Themes
civilization
violence
progress
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education reform
- conflict resolution
- community building
Key Concepts
philosophy
anthropology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance acknowledging cruelty with fostering hope?
- What mechanisms prevent repeated cycles of violence?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on brutality can foster cynicism and fatalism.
