--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Many people think that the theory of the…" description: "\"“Many people think that the theory of the selfish gene says that “animals try to spread their genes.” That misstates the facts and it misstates the the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3c/steven-pinker-526_biology_many-people-think-that-the-theory-of-the_674880.jpg" --- # Many people think that the theory of the selfish gene says… ![“Many people think that the theory of the selfish gene says that “animals try to spread their genes.” That misstates the facts and it misstates the theory. Animals, including most people, know nothing about genetics and care even less. People love their children not because they want to spread…” quote by Steven Pinker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3c/steven-pinker-526_biology_many-people-think-that-the-theory-of-the_674880.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3c/steven-pinker-526_biology_many-people-think-that-the-theory-of-the_674880.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3c/steven-pinker-526_biology_many-people-think-that-the-theory-of-the_674880.jpg) > ““Many people think that the theory of the selfish gene says that “animals try to spread their genes.” That misstates the facts and it misstates the theory. Animals, including most people, know nothing about genetics and care even less. People love their children not because they want to spread their genes (consciously or unconsciously) but because they can’t help it. That love makes them try to keep their children warm, fed, and safe. What is selfish is not the real motives of the person but the metaphorical motives of the genes that built the person. Genes “try” to spread themselves by wiring animals’ brains so the animals love their kin and try to keep warm, fed, and safe.”” [Steven Pinker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-pinker/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The selfish gene metaphor is misinterpreted; kin love is a gene‑driven instinct, not conscious selfishness. **In simple terms:** Genes drive kin love, not conscious selfishness. Key Takeaway Recognize innate drives behind altruism. Themes evolution kin selection genes altruism Mood thoughtful analytical Type scientific philosophical When to use this quote - parenting - family care - social bonding - ethical decisions Key Concepts biology psychology philosophy Questions to Reflect On - How do innate drives shape moral choices? - Can we transcend genetic influences? A Different Perspective Genetic determinism may oversimplify human motives. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Animals Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animals-love-2/) [Biology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biology/) [Evolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolution/) [Gene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gene/) [Human](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Selfish gene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/selfish-gene/) [Selfishness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/selfishness/) [Sociology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sociology/) ## Related quotes > [“Perhaps we should rejoice that people’s emotions aren’t designed for the good of the group. 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