Human mind Quote by Rick Yancey
““It occurred to me. . .that aberrance is a wholly human construct. There were no such things as monsters outside the human mind. We are vain and arrogant, evolution's highest achievement and most dismal failure, prisoners of our self-awareness and the illusion that we stand in the center, that there is us and then there is everything else but us . But we do not stand apart from or above or in the middle of anything. There is nothing apart, nothing above, and the middle is everywhere - and nowhere. We are no more beautiful and essential or magnificent than an earthworm. In fact - and dare we go there, you and I? - you could say the worm is more beautiful, because it is innocent and we are not. The worm has no motive but to survive long enough to make baby worms. There is no betrayal, no cruelty, no envy, no lust, and no hatred in the worm's heart, and so who are the monsters and which species shall we call aberrant?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Humanity, Rick Yancey, 2020
Monsters are human constructs; all beings share the same indifferent existence.
In simple terms: Monsters are imagined; all life is similar.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared vulnerability and humility.
Themes
philosophy
existentialism
biology
Mood
contemplative
somber
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- ethical debates
- environmental policy
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
human nature
ego
humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing ourselves as ordinary change behavior?
- What responsibilities arise from shared existence?
A Different Perspective
The view may diminish moral responsibility for human actions.
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