Aggression Quote by Herbert Hoover
“Man is still by instinct a predatory animal given to devilish aggression. The discoveries of science have immensely increased productivity of material things. They have increased the standards of living and comfort. They have eliminated infinite drudgery. They have increased leisure. But that gives more time for devilment. The work of science has eliminated much disease and suffering. It has increased the length of life. That, together with increase in productivity, has resulted in vastly increased populations. Also it increased the number of people engaged in devilment.”
About This Quote
Human instinct remains predatory despite scientific advances that boost comfort, leisure, and population, which also increase opportunities for wrongdoing.
In simple terms: Even with progress, humans can still be aggressive and cause harm.
Key Takeaway
Balance progress with ethical responsibility.
Themes
human nature
technology
productivity
population
ethics
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- public health
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
predation
leisure
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies channel increased leisure positively?
- What safeguards prevent predatory behavior?
A Different Perspective
More leisure can lead to moral decay if unchecked.
![“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)
