Human life Quote by Jack London
““You have read Darwin," I said. "But you read him misunderstandingly when you conclude that the struggle for existence sanctions your wanton destruction of life." He shrugged his shoulders. "You know you only mean that in relation to human life, for of the flesh and the fowl and the fish you destroy as much as I or any other man. And human life is in no wise different, though you feel it is and think that you reason why it is. Why should I be parsimonious with this life which is cheap and without value? There are more sailors than there are ships on the sea for them, more workers than there are factories or machines for them. Why, you who live on the land know that you house your poor people in the slums of cities and loose famine and pestilence upon them, and that there still remain more poor people, dying for want of a crust of bread and a bit of meat (which is life destroyed), than you know what to do with. Have you ever seen the London dockers fighting like wild beasts for a chance to work?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Iron Heel, 1908
The author criticizes Darwinian justification for human exploitation, arguing that life is valuable beyond mere survival competition.
In simple terms: Life’s worth isn’t measured by survival alone.
Key Takeaway
Respect all life, reject ruthless competition.
Themes
ethics
survival
social justice
Mood
critical
urgent
reflective
Type
political
social
When to use this quote
- labor rights
- poverty
- environmental ethics
- animal welfare
Key Concepts
evolutionary theory
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- What moral responsibilities arise from recognizing shared life?
- How can societies balance competition with compassion?
A Different Perspective
Darwinian ideas can be misapplied to justify cruelty.
