Behaviorism Quote by B. F. Skinner
“The problem of far greater importance remains to be solved. Rather than build a world in which we shall all live well, we must stop building one in which it will be impossible to live at all.”
About This Quote
We must prioritize solving existential threats over incremental improvements to comfort.
In simple terms: Focus on survival before comfort.
Key Takeaway
Address existential risks first.
Themes
existential risk
prioritization
future planning
ethical responsibility
sustainability
Mood
urgent
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- global climate policy
- AI safety governance
- pandemic preparedness
- nuclear disarmament
Key Concepts
risk assessment
long-term thinking
policy making
Practical Applications
- guiding research funding
- shaping legislative agendas
Questions to Reflect On
- What threats could render civilization uninhabitable?
- How can we balance immediate welfare with long-term survival?
![“Some have said that the thesis [of indeterminacy] is a consequence of my behaviorism. Some have said that it is a reductio ad absurdum of my behaviorism. I disagree with this second point, but I agree with the first. I hold further that the behaviorism approach is mandatory. In psychology one may…” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e0/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_ads_some-have-said-that-the-thesis-of-indete_315688.jpg)
