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1967 Quote by Hannah Arendt

“Darwinism met with such overwhelming success because it provided, on the basis of inheritance, the ideological weapons for race and well as class rule and could be used for, as well as against, race discrimination. Politically speaking, Darwinism as such was neutral, and it has led, indeed, to all…” quote by Hannah Arendt
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““Darwinism met with such overwhelming success because it provided, on the basis of inheritance, the ideological weapons for race and well as class rule and could be used for, as well as against, race discrimination. Politically speaking, Darwinism as such was neutral, and it has led, indeed, to all kinds of pacifism and cosmopolitanism as well as to the sharpest forms of imperialistic ideologies. In the seventies and eighties of the last century, Darwinism was still almost exclusively in the hands of the utilitarian anti-colonial party in England. And the first philosopher of evolution, Herbert Spencer , who treated sociology as part of biology, believed natural selection to benefit the evolution of mankind and to result in everlasting peace. For political discussion, Darwinism offered two important concepts: the struggle for existence with optimistic assertion of the necessary and automatic "survival of the fittest," and the indefinite possibilities which seemed to lie in the evolution of man out of animal life and which started the new "science" of eugenics.””

Hannah Arendt

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Origins of Totalitarianism” (1951)

The quote argues that Darwinian theory has been used both to justify and to oppose oppression, showing its political neutrality but susceptibility to ideological manipulation.

In simple terms: Darwinism can be used for good or bad depending on who wields it.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how scientific ideas can be co‑opted for political ends.

Themes

politics science ideology history ethics

Mood

critical thoughtful analytical

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • policy formation
  • human rights advocacy
  • education curricula
  • public health initiatives

Key Concepts

evolutionary theory social Darwinism colonialism eugenics imperialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we guard scientific concepts from political misuse?
  • Can we separate scientific facts from ideological agendas?
A Different Perspective

The quote may oversimplify complex historical uses of Darwinism and ignore scientific consensus.

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