Human nature Quote by Robert S. McElvaine
““Doing what comes naturally was (and is) no longer the appropriate response in many circumstances that arose in what had become an unnatural environment. It became the major social role of religion to bridge the gap between a human nature developed for one environment and the altered environment in which that nature now had to operate. People had to be persuaded to act unnaturally, as Jesus and other religious prophets would preach.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The End of the Age of Agriculture, Robert S. McElvaine, 2015
Human nature evolved for past environments; modern societies often require actions that feel unnatural, and religion historically helped bridge that gap.
In simple terms: Nature mismatched with modern life; religion offers guidance.
Key Takeaway
Adapt behavior to new contexts.
Themes
religion
adaptation
human nature
social change
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
sociological
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- technological adoption
- ethical decision making
- cultural integration
Key Concepts
environmental determinism
cognitive dissonance
moral persuasion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile innate tendencies with modern demands?
- Can secular frameworks replace religious guidance?
A Different Perspective
Religious solutions may conflict with secular rationalism.
