Advantage Quote by Edward Thorndike
“It will of course, be understood that directly or indirectly, soon or late, every advance in the sciences of human nature will contribute to our success in controlling human nature and changing it to the advantage of the common wheel.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Psychology of Human Nature" by Edward Thorndike, 1913
Advances in understanding human behavior will eventually let us control and improve it for collective benefit.
In simple terms: Science will let us shape human nature for the common good.
Key Takeaway
Use scientific insights to guide societal progress.
Themes
science
human nature
control
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy
- education reform
- mental health interventions
- AI ethics
Key Concepts
behavioral psychology
ethics of manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards are needed when altering behavior?
- Who decides what is “common good”?
A Different Perspective
Ethical concerns about manipulating humanity may arise.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
