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Clone Quote by David Benatar

“Now it might be suggested that cloning is sometimes worse because, where it is done for the sake of the person cloned, it is also an act of narcissism. The being cloned wants a physical replica of himself. Thus the clone is treated as a means to the narcissistic ends of the person cloned. Now…” quote by David Benatar
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““Now it might be suggested that cloning is sometimes worse because, where it is done for the sake of the person cloned, it is also an act of narcissism. The being cloned wants a physical replica of himself. Thus the clone is treated as a means to the narcissistic ends of the person cloned. Now there might indeed be some people who will wish to have themselves cloned for narcissistic reasons, but others may want to be cloned for other reasons (perhaps because it is their only or best chance of reproducing). Moreover, the argument from narcissism assumes that ordinary reproduction is not narcissistic. But why should we think that that is always the case? There could well be something self-adulating in the desire to produce offspring. Those who adopt children or do not have children at all could advance the narcissistic objection against non-clonal reproduction with as much (or as little) force as non-clonal reproducers do in criticizing cloning. They could argue that it is narcissistic for a couple to want to create a child in their combined image, from a mixture of their genes. The point is that both cloning and usual methods of reproduction may be narcissistic, but neither is it the case that each kind of reproduction must necessarily be characterized in this way.””

David Benatar

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Ethics of Cloning, David Benatar, 2005

Cloning and natural reproduction can both stem from self‑interest, but neither is inherently more narcissistic than the other.

In simple terms: Both cloning and regular reproduction may involve self‑interest.

Key Takeaway

Recognize that motivations are complex, not simply selfish.

Themes

ethics reproduction human nature

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • family planning
  • bioethics debates
  • personal identity discussions
  • policy making

Key Concepts

narcissism motivation philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives your desire to create life?
  • Can self‑interest ever be wholly positive?
A Different Perspective

Assumes all reproductive motives are comparable, ignoring cultural and emotional nuances.

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