Free choice Quote by Margaret Atwood
““How much misery…how much needless despair has been caused by a series of biological mismatches, a misalignment of the hormones and pheromones? Resulting in the fact that the one you love so passionately won’t or can’t love you. As a species we’re pathetic in that way: imperfectly monogamous. If only we could pair-bond for life, like gibbons, or else opt for total-guilt free promiscuity, there’d be no more sexual torment. You’d never want someone you couldn’t have’ ‘…But think what we’d be giving up…we’d be human robots…there’d be no free choice.’ ‘…we’re human robots anyway, only we’re faulty ones.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “The Science of Love”, 2015
Human sexual relationships are fraught with biological conflicts that cause suffering, and our monogamous instincts clash with evolutionary drives.
In simple terms: Biology and love often conflict, causing pain.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and navigate biological influences on love.
Themes
love
biology
monogamy
despair
human nature
Mood
conflicted
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- relationship counseling
- personal reflection
- sexual health education
- creative writing
Key Concepts
evolutionary psychology
attachment theory
sexual selection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural norms shape our romantic expectations?
- Can we design relationships that honor both biology and freedom?
A Different Perspective
Biological determinism may oversimplify complex cultural factors.
