Brain Quote by Nomy Arpaly
“Sometimes I suspect that there are two prototypes of philosophers who write about humans - I call them "celestials" and "terrestrials", without implying that celestials have their heads in the clouds or that terrestrials have theirs buried in the ground. The difference between these two types is not so much in their theories but in whether or not they would find it a very sad thing if it turned out that the only way a human is superior to a wolf is this: the human brain is significantly more capacious and complex.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Philosophical Reflections on Human Nature, 2020
The quote contrasts two kinds of philosophers: those who idealize humanity and those who focus on its material limits, emphasizing that the true tragedy is seeing human superiority only in brain size and complexity.
In simple terms: Two philosopher types: idealists vs. materialists, focusing on human uniqueness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that human value isn’t just cognitive superiority.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
humility
intellectual humility
anthropology
Mood
thoughtful
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Academic debate
- public policy
- education curricula
- media commentary
Key Concepts
Idealism
materialism
cognitive bias
anthropocentrism
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of humanity are undervalued by focusing on cognition?
- How can we broaden our definition of human superiority?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook emotional, social, and moral capacities beyond brain size.
