Animal Quote by Charles Darwin
“With savages, the weak in body or mind are soon eliminated. We civilized men, on the other hand, do our utmost to check the process of elimination. We build asylums for the imbecile, the maimed and the sick. Thus the weak members of civilized societies propagate their kind. No one who has attended to the breeding of domestic animals will doubt that this must be highly injurious to the race of man. Hardly anyone is so ignorant as to allow his worst animals to breed.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Descent of Man, 1871
Civilized societies protect the weak, which may unintentionally weaken the species over time.
In simple terms: Helping the vulnerable can have unintended evolutionary effects.
Key Takeaway
Balance compassion with awareness of long‑term impacts.
Themes
ethics
society
evolution
care
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- public health policy
- social services
- education programs
Key Concepts
natural selection
social welfare
genetic health
Questions to Reflect On
- Should societies limit support to avoid genetic decline?
- How to reconcile morality with evolutionary theory?
A Different Perspective
Compassion may conflict with biological imperatives.
![“I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science…It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/958/charles-darwin-507_bounds_i-am-quite-conscious-that-my-speculation_35382.jpg)
