Capacity Quote by Holmes Rolston III
“Perhaps we humans are cosmic dwarfs; perhaps we are molecular giants. But there is no denying our mid-scale complexity. We humans live neither at the range of the infinitely small, nor at that of the infinitely large, but we might well live at the range of the infinitely complex. We live at the range of the most caring; we ourselves might embody the most capacity for caring.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Scale of Complexity” in Environmental Ethics, 1995
Humans occupy a middle ground—neither microscopic nor cosmic—where complexity and caring are maximal.
In simple terms: We live in a uniquely complex, caring scale.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and nurture our capacity for caring.
Themes
complexity
scale
human nature
care
cosmic perspective
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- education
- community building
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Ecology
philosophy
anthropocentrism
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities arise from our unique scale?
- How can we amplify caring in society?
A Different Perspective
Complexity can overwhelm; caring may be limited by resources.
