Biology Quote by Richard Dawkins
““Evolution by natural selection is the explanation for why we exist. It is not something to guide our lives in our own society. If we were to be guided by the evolution principle, then we would be living in a kind of ultra-Thatcherite, Reaganite society.” “Study your Darwinism for two reasons,” he implored, “because it explains why you’re here, and the second reason is, study your Darwinism in order to learn what to avoid in setting up society. What we need is a truly anti-Darwinian society. Anti-Darwinian in the sense that we don’t wish to live in a society where the weakest go to the wall, where the strongest suppress the weak, and even kill the weak. We — I, at least — do not wish to live in that kind of society. I want to live in the sort of society where we take care of the sick, where we take care of the weak, take care of the oppressed, which is a very anti-Darwinian society.””
About This Quote
Source Interview, 2015
Evolution explains existence but should not dictate societal organization; we must avoid a survival‑of‑the‑fittest social model.
In simple terms: Evolution is a scientific fact, not a social blueprint.
Key Takeaway
Design compassionate societies.
Themes
ethics
evolution
social policy
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- healthcare reform
- welfare programs
- education curricula
Key Concepts
biology
philosophy of science
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we separate scientific facts from moral prescriptions?
- What values should guide social structures?
A Different Perspective
Misapplying biology to politics can justify inequality.
