Skip to content

Darwinism Quote by Oliver Sacks

“It is often felt that Darwin, more than anyone, banished “meaning” from the world—in the sense of any overall divine meaning or purpose. There is indeed no design, no plan, no blueprint in Darwin’s world; natural selection has no direction or aim, nor any goal to which it strives. Darwinism, it is…” quote by Oliver Sacks
Download Open image
““It is often felt that Darwin, more than anyone, banished “meaning” from the world—in the sense of any overall divine meaning or purpose. There is indeed no design, no plan, no blueprint in Darwin’s world; natural selection has no direction or aim, nor any goal to which it strives. Darwinism, it is often said, spelled the end of teleological thinking.””

Oliver Sacks

About This Quote

Darwin’s theory removes divine purpose, leaving a world without inherent meaning.

In simple terms: Darwin eliminates built‑in purpose, leaving meaning human‑created.

Key Takeaway

Create your own purpose in a purposeless universe.

Themes

philosophy science existentialism

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • artistic expression
  • ethical debates

Key Concepts

natural selection teleology meaning-making

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find purpose without design?
  • Can science inspire new meanings?
A Different Perspective

Some find meaning in secular values.

2.1 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Oliver Sacks

Explore all 177 Oliver Sacks quotes

More Darwinism quotes

Browse all 208 Darwinism quotes