Accounts Quote by Simon Conway Morris
“If there were a clear prospect that such evils were part of a barbarian past, then at least we might find a small crumb of comfort. No such prospect exists: no scientific analysis can even remotely answer or account for past and present horrors of human behaviour.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Riddle of Evolution, Simon Conway Morris, 2009
Human capacity for evil is not confined to the past; it persists without a clear scientific explanation.
In simple terms: Evil continues today, lacking simple explanations.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and seek ethical vigilance.
Themes
ethics
human nature
history
philosophy
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- war crimes studies
- education curricula
- public policy
Key Concepts
Moral responsibility
historical analysis
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives persistent human cruelty?
- How can societies mitigate unknown moral risks?
A Different Perspective
Science may not fully explain moral failures.
![“An artist has an obligation to tell the truth. [...] that the true horrors of human history derive not from orcs and Dark Lords, but from ourselves. We are the monsters. (And the heroes too). Each of us has within himself the capacity for great good, and great evil.” quote by George R. R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/783/george-r-r-martin-2-926_art_an-artist-has-an-obligation-to-tell-the_1622821.jpg)
