--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think it's tragic that we have this…" description: "\"I think it's tragic that we have this human capacity, which appears to be hardwired, or so the evolutionary biologists say, for collective joy. We have..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c94/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_biologist_i-think-it-s-tragic-that-we-have-this-hu_797129.png" --- # I think it's tragic that we have this human capacity… ![“I think it's tragic that we have this human capacity, which appears to be hardwired, or so the evolutionary biologists say, for collective joy. We have these techniques for generating it that go back thousands of years, and yet we tend not to use this.” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c94/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_biologist_i-think-it-s-tragic-that-we-have-this-hu_797129.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c94/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_biologist_i-think-it-s-tragic-that-we-have-this-hu_797129.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c94/barbara-ehrenreich-1204_biologist_i-think-it-s-tragic-that-we-have-this-hu_797129.png) > “I think it's tragic that we have this human capacity, which appears to be hardwired, or so the evolutionary biologists say, for collective joy. We have these techniques for generating it that go back thousands of years, and yet we tend not to use this.” [Barbara Ehrenreich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbara-ehrenreich/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human joy is innate yet underused; ancient practices show it’s possible. **In simple terms:** We have built‑in capacity for collective joy, but rarely practice it. Key Takeaway Cultivate shared joy deliberately. Themes joy human nature culture Mood thoughtful optimistic Type cultural psychological When to use this quote - community events - festivals - team building - mindfulness practices Key Concepts evolutionary psychology social bonding Questions to Reflect On - What simple rituals could boost collective joy? - How can societies value joy as a resource? A Different Perspective Modern life often prioritizes efficiency over joy. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Biologist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biologist/) [Biologists Say](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biologists-say-6111242/) [Capacity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/capacity/) [Collective Joy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/collective-joy-6111243/) [Collectives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/collectives/) [Human capacity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-capacity/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Joy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/joy/) [Nature of man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature-of-man/) [Technique](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/technique/) [Think Tragic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/think-tragic-608514/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Thousands Years](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thousands-years/) [Tragic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tragic/) [Use](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/use/) [Years](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/years/) ## Related quotes > [I thought as an actress I would be able to have broader emotional experiences, but then I quickly figured out that I wanted to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martha-nussbaum/i-thought-as-an-actress-i-would-be-able-to-have-broader-emotional/) [Martha Nussbaum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martha-nussbaum/) > [I don't think I have a tragic demeanor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/quentin-crisp/i-don-t-think-i-have-a-tragic-demeanor/) [Quentin Crisp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/quentin-crisp/) > [I think when tragic things happen it is on surface. 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