Skip to content

Atheism Quote by Richard Dawkins

“Blindness to suffering is an inherent consequence of natural selection. Nature is neither kind nor cruel but indifferent.” quote by Richard Dawkins
Download Open image
“Blindness to suffering is an inherent consequence of natural selection. Nature is neither kind nor cruel but indifferent.”

Richard Dawkins

About This Quote

Natural selection creates organisms indifferent to suffering; moral judgments are human projections onto a neutral process.

In simple terms: Evolution is indifferent to pain.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the difference between biological fact and moral value.

Themes

ethics biology philosophy

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical academic

When to use this quote

  • animal welfare debates
  • environmental policy
  • medical ethics

Key Concepts

evolutionary theory moral psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should societies address pain if nature is indifferent?
  • Can moral frameworks arise from indifferent processes?
A Different Perspective

Indifference does not excuse suffering.

4.9 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Richard Dawkins

Explore all 1,239 Richard Dawkins quotes

More Atheism quotes

Browse all 4,769 Atheism quotes