Death Quote by Steven Pinker
““the political scientist James Payne suggests that ancient peoples put a low value on other people’s lives because pain and death were so common in their own. This set a low threshold for any practice that had a chance of bringing them an advantage, even if the price was the lives of others.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker, 2011
Ancient societies accepted killing others because they were accustomed to suffering, lowering moral barriers to violence for personal gain.
In simple terms: People once valued life less, making violence easier.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how desensitization lowers moral thresholds.
Themes
morality
violence
human nature
history
ethics
Mood
cautious
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- war
- colonialism
- political policy
- personal ambition
- media influence
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
psychological adaptation
social conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- How does exposure to suffering affect our moral judgments?
- What safeguards can prevent low thresholds for violence?
A Different Perspective
Modern societies still face desensitization through media and propaganda.
