Skip to content

Aggressive Quote by Jerome Kagan

“Although humans inherit a biological bias that permits them to feel anger, jealousy, selfishness and envy, and to be rude, aggressive or violent, they inherit an even stronger biological bias for kindness, compassion, cooperation, love and nurture - especially toward those in need. This inbuilt…” quote by Jerome Kagan
Download Open image
“Although humans inherit a biological bias that permits them to feel anger, jealousy, selfishness and envy, and to be rude, aggressive or violent, they inherit an even stronger biological bias for kindness, compassion, cooperation, love and nurture - especially toward those in need. This inbuilt ethical sense is a biological feature of our species.”

Jerome Kagan

About This Quote

Source Book: "The Nature of the Child", 1999

Humans are biologically predisposed to both negative and positive social emotions, with kindness being a stronger innate drive.

In simple terms: Kindness is a strong innate trait.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate compassion.

Themes

psychology human nature emotions

Mood

inspirational hopeful

Type

psychological ethical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • community building
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

altruism social bonding

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you nurture kindness in others?
  • What social structures support compassion?
A Different Perspective

Negative impulses can dominate without guidance.

3.0 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Jerome Kagan

Explore all 11 Jerome Kagan quotes

More Aggressive quotes

Browse all 1,351 Aggressive quotes