Biology Quote by Yuval Noah Harari
““culture that obliges people to realise some possibilities while forbidding others. Biology enables women to have children – some cultures oblige women to realise this possibility. Biology enables men to enjoy sex with one another – some cultures forbid them to realise this possibility. Culture tends to argue that it forbids only that which is unnatural. But from a biological perspective, nothing is unnatural. Whatever is possible is by definition also natural. A truly unnatural behaviour, one that goes against the laws of nature, simply cannot exist, so it would need no prohibition. No culture has ever bothered to forbid men to photosynthesise, women to run faster than the speed of light, or negatively charged electrons to be attracted to each other.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari, 2015
Culture shapes which natural possibilities are socially permitted, but biology defines what is possible; nothing is truly unnatural.
In simple terms: Culture limits natural possibilities; biology defines what is possible.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that cultural rules are arbitrary limits.
Themes
culture
biology
naturalism
social norms
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education reform
- personal identity
- public debate
Key Concepts
biological determinism
social constructionism
normative ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural norms influence personal freedoms?
- What natural possibilities are currently restricted by culture?
A Different Perspective
Cultural change is slow and may face resistance.
