Fear Quote by Steven Pinker
““The dread of a permanently wicked human nature takes two forms. One is a practical fear: that social reform is a waste of time because human nature is unchangeable. The other is a deeper concern, which grows out of the Romantic belief that what is natural is good. According to the worry, if scientists suggest it is "natural" - part of human nature - to be adulterous, violent, ethnocentric, and selfish, they would be implying that these traits are good, not just unavoidable.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker, 2011
The quote argues that fear of immutable human wickedness appears as practical cynicism about reform and as a romantic idealization of the natural, which can excuse harmful traits.
In simple terms: Fear of fixed human evil shows as doubt about reform and belief that natural equals good.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about what is natural and reformable.
Themes
human nature
reform
morality
optimism
romanticism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- scientific communication
- social activism
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What traits do we label as natural?
- How can we balance realism with hope for change?
A Different Perspective
Assuming natural traits are good may hinder critical evaluation of harmful behaviors.
