Calculus Quote by Shelly Kagan
““If you put it as 'complex nervous systems' it sounds pretty deflationary. What's so special about a complex nervous system? But of course, that complex nervous system allows you to do calculus. It allows you to do astrophysics… to write poetry... to fall in love. Put under that description, when asked 'What’s so special about humans...?', I’m at a loss to know how to answer that question. If you don’t see why we’d be special… because we can do poetry [and] think philosophical thoughts [and] we can think about the morality of our behavior, I’m not sure what kind of answer could possibly satisfy you at that point. ...I could pose the same kinds of questions of you... So God says, 'You are guys are really, really special.' How does his saying it make us special? 'But you see, he gave us a soul.' How does our having a soul make us special? Whatever answer you give, you could always say… 'What’s so special about that?””
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Lecture: Human Uniqueness, 2020 academic talk
Human uniqueness is questioned; complex cognition enables abstract thought, art, love, and morality, yet defining "specialness" remains elusive.
In simple terms: Humans have advanced mental abilities, but why that makes them special is unclear.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both our capabilities and limits.
Themes
cognition
human nature
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- education
- debate
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
consciousness
creativity
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines "special" in a species?
- Can other beings share similar capacities?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook non‑human forms of intelligence.
![“My view [is] that what morality boils down to is, 'Don’t harm, and do help.' And now the question is, 'Can creatures like chickens and cows be harmed?' And the answer is, 'Of course they can.' Consequently, I think it’s immoral to harm them. And that seems to me to provide a very strong moral…” quote by Shelly Kagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/45e/shelly-kagan-90612_animal_my-view-is-that-what-morality-boils-down_2727219.jpg)
![“Tell them you came, and saw, and looked into my eyes and saw the shadow of the guard receding. Thoughts in time and out of season, the hitchinker stood by the side of the road and levelled his thumb in the calm calculus of reason. [...] Why does my mind circle around you? Why do planets wonder…” quote by Jim Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ae/jim-morrison-1692_bird_tell-them-you-came-and-saw-and-looked-in_18280.jpg)
