--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Animals have genes for altruism, and…" description: "\"Animals have genes for altruism, and those genes have been selected in the evolution of many creatures because of the advantage they confer for the con..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9f5/lewis-thomas-2299_advantage_animals-have-genes-for-altruism-and-thos_2628296.png" --- # Animals have genes for altruism, and those genes have been… ![“Animals have genes for altruism, and those genes have been selected in the evolution of many creatures because of the advantage they confer for the continuing survival of the species.” quote by Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9f5/lewis-thomas-2299_advantage_animals-have-genes-for-altruism-and-thos_2628296.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9f5/lewis-thomas-2299_advantage_animals-have-genes-for-altruism-and-thos_2628296.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9f5/lewis-thomas-2299_advantage_animals-have-genes-for-altruism-and-thos_2628296.png) > “Animals have genes for altruism, and those genes have been selected in the evolution of many creatures because of the advantage they confer for the continuing survival of the species.” [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Altruistic genes spread because they benefit species survival, showing evolution favors cooperation **In simple terms:** Genes that help others persist Key Takeaway Recognize cooperation’s evolutionary advantage Themes evolution cooperation genetics Mood inquisitive hopeful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - conservation - public health - community building Key Concepts natural selection social biology Questions to Reflect On - What balances self‑interest and altruism? - How can we foster cooperative traits? 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