Behavior Quote by Rene Dubos
“Any attempt to shape the world and modify human personality in order to create a self-chosen pattern of life involves many unknown consequences. Human destiny is bound to remain a gamble, because at some unpredictable time and in some unforeseeable manner nature will strike back. The multiplicity of determinants which affect biological systems limits the power of the experimental method to predict their trends and behavior.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Limits of Human Control, 1975
Shaping the world and human personality carries unknown risks; nature will intervene unpredictably.
In simple terms: Attempting to control life has unforeseen consequences.
Key Takeaway
Respect natural limits and uncertainty.
Themes
control
uncertainty
consequences
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- genetic engineering
- environmental planning
Key Concepts
determinism
ethical science
systems theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can limit unintended outcomes?
- How should society balance innovation with humility?
A Different Perspective
Predictive models can be overconfident.
