Abandon Quote by Steven Pinker
“If we are not to abandon values such as peace and equality, or our commitments to science and truth, then we must pry these values away from claims about our psychological makeup that are vulnerable to being proven false.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: TED Talk “The Future of Human Progress”, 2018
We must protect core values like peace, equality, science, and truth, not base them on uncertain psychological theories that may be disproven.
In simple terms: Protect values independent of shaky psychology.
Key Takeaway
Uphold values regardless of scientific debate.
Themes
ethics
human rights
science
truth
peace
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education reform
- public discourse
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies safeguard universal values amid scientific uncertainty?
- What role should psychology play in moral decision‑making?
A Different Perspective
Values may be challenged by cultural relativism or political agendas.
