Beyond control Quote by Robert Wright
“God knows greed won't vanish. Neither will hatred or chauvanism. Human nature is a stubborn thing. But it isn't beyond control. Even if our core impulses can;t be banished, they can be tempered and redirected.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moral Animal, Robert Wright, 1994
Human impulses like greed, hatred, and chauvinism are innate but can be managed through conscious effort and social structures.
In simple terms: Innate flaws can be controlled.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate self‑awareness and community norms.
Themes
human nature
self‑control
ethics
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- policy design
- education
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
social conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies design institutions that temper selfish drives?
- What personal practices help redirect negative impulses?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated impulses is difficult and may face resistance.
