Animals Quote by Steven Pinker
““Perhaps we should rejoice that people’s emotions aren’t designed for the good of the group. Often the best way to benefit one’s group is to displace, subjugate, or annihilate the group next door. Ants in a colony are closely related, and each is a paragon of unselfishness. That’s why ants are one of the few kinds of animal that wage war and take slaves. When human leaders have manipulated or coerced people into submerging their interests into the group’s, the outcomes are some of the history’s worst atrocities.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, Steven Pinker, 2011
Human nature includes selfish impulses that can lead to intergroup conflict; recognizing this helps explain historical atrocities and the need for institutions that curb aggression.
In simple terms: People often act selfishly, causing group violence.
Key Takeaway
Build systems that limit selfish aggression.
Themes
human nature
conflict
history
ethics
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- social policy
- education
- media narratives
Key Concepts
evolutionary psychology
group dynamics
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies design institutions to curb innate aggression?
- What role does empathy play in reducing intergroup violence?
A Different Perspective
Selfish motives can be mitigated by strong norms and checks.
