Skip to content

Evolution Quote by Jerry A. Coyne

“Many people require more than just evidence before they’ll accept evolution. To these folks, evolution raises such profound questions of purpose, morality, and meaning that they just can’t accept it no matter how much evidence they see. It’s not that we evolved from apes that bothers them so much…” quote by Jerry A. Coyne
Download Open image
““Many people require more than just evidence before they’ll accept evolution. To these folks, evolution raises such profound questions of purpose, morality, and meaning that they just can’t accept it no matter how much evidence they see. It’s not that we evolved from apes that bothers them so much; it’s [[the emotional consequences of facing that fact.]] And unless we address those concerns, we won’t progress in making evolution a universally acknowledged truth.””

Jerry A. Coyne

About This Quote

Evolution challenges people’s sense of purpose and morality; addressing emotional concerns is essential for broader acceptance.

In simple terms: Evolution conflicts with personal purpose and morality.

Key Takeaway

Address emotional aspects to foster scientific acceptance.

Themes

science communication evolution purpose morality public perception

Mood

thoughtful empathetic

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • education curricula
  • public debates
  • faith‑science dialogue
  • media outreach

Key Concepts

psychology of belief philosophy of science

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we bridge science and meaning?
  • What role does morality play in acceptance?
A Different Perspective

Evidence alone may not change deeply held beliefs.

2.8 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Jerry A. Coyne

Explore all 48 Jerry A. Coyne quotes

More Evolution quotes

Browse all 6,186 Evolution quotes