Extinction Quote by David Benatar
““I shall not assess arguments and evidence for competing views about when human extinction will occur. We know it will occur, and this fact has a curious effect on my argument. In a strange way it makes my argument an optimistic one. Although things are now not the way they should be—there are people when there should be none—things will someday be the way they should be—there will be no people. In other words, although things are now bad, they will be better, even if they first get worse with the creation of new people. Some may wish to be spared this kind of optimism, but some optimists may take a measure of comfort in this observation.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Philosophical Perspectives on Extinction, 2015
The inevitability of human extinction can be framed as an optimistic outlook, suggesting that eventual non‑existence resolves current suffering despite interim worsening.
In simple terms: Human extinction may bring ultimate relief from suffering.
Key Takeaway
Consider how mortality frames optimism.
Themes
existential
philosophy
optimism
extinction
Mood
thought‑provoking
serious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- debates on population ethics
- environmental policy
- long‑term forecasting
Key Concepts
future scenarios
ethical implications
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ethical to find comfort in extinction?
- How does this view affect actions today?
A Different Perspective
Optimism may overlook present suffering and moral responsibilities.
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
