Emergence Quote by Jane Goodall
““There are really only two ways, it seems to me, in which we can think about our existence here on earth. We either agree with Macbeth that life is nothing more than a “tale told by an idiot,” a purposeless emergence of life-forms including the clever, greedy, selfish, and unfortunately destructive species that we call Homo sapiens—the “evolutionary goof.” Or we believe that, as Pierre Teilhard de Chardin put it, “There is something afoot in the universe, something that looks like gestation and birth.” In other words, a plan, a purpose to it all.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Goodall Institute, 2018
She contrasts nihilistic view of life as meaningless with a hopeful belief in an underlying purpose guiding evolution.
In simple terms: Life can seem pointless or purposeful.
Key Takeaway
Consider both perspectives to shape your worldview.
Themes
meaning
existence
evolution
purpose
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career counseling
- ethical debates
- personal crisis
- spiritual seeking
Key Concepts
nihilism
teleology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you lean toward meaning or meaninglessness?
- What evidence supports a purposeful universe?
A Different Perspective
The “purpose” view may overlook suffering and randomness.
![“He [Pierre Teilhard de Chardin] was thrilled with the idea that through work in the world human beings were participating in the ongoing extension and consecration of God's creation.” quote by Robert Ellsberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2c1/robert-ellsberg-53444_consecration_he-pierre-teilhard-de-chardin-was-thrill_312293.jpg)
