Academic Quote by Steven Pinker
“As every student in Philosophy 101 learns, nothing can force me to believe that anyone except me is conscious. This power to deny that other people have feelings is not just an academic exercise but an all-too-common vice, as we see in the long history of human cruelty.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, Steven Pinker, 2011
We can deny others' consciousness, which fuels cruelty; recognizing shared feeling reduces harm.
In simple terms: Denying others' feelings enables cruelty.
Acknowledge others' consciousness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- interpersonal conflict
- social policy
- justice reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing others' consciousness change behavior?
- What practices foster empathy?
Human beings often ignore others' inner lives, perpetuating harm.