That a feeling is bestowed on us by Nature, does not necessarily legitimate all its promptings. The feeling of justice might be a peculiar instinct, and might yet require, like our other instincts, to be controlled and enlightened by a higher reason. If we have intellectual instincts, leading us to judge in a particular way, as well as animal instincts that prompt us to act in a particular way, there is no necessity that the former should be more infallible in their sphere than the latter in theirs: it may as well happen that wrong judgments are occasionally suggested by those, as wrong actions by these.
—John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism
Evolutionary psychology helps us explain why human nature is the way it is - including its flaws. It does NOT mean that bigotry, psychopathy and vice have been vindicated, nor that you can just make bullshit up and declare it fact.
Evolutionary psychology is to neo-chauvinists what quantum physics are to New Agers: a barbarous name the cargo cult invokes in an attempt to imbue their woo with scientific legitimacy.
Evolutionary psychology is to neo-chauvinists what quantum physics are to New Agers: a barbarous name the cargo cult invokes in an attempt to imbue their woo with scientific legitimacy.
—Pharaoh Bastethotep, Fundies Say the Darndest Things
"Well, is there a rough analog in nature? If so, then just point that out! It's okay that I'm allowed to rip off senile old people because the strong preying on the weak is all-natural...you know, like cancer and intestinal parasites."
—Terrible Writing Advice, "Propaganda"
If you DO have a friend who's obsessing a little too much about those artificial chemicals in food, maybe remind them that all food has chemicals in it. Hell! You and I are an amazing collection of chemical reactions. Chemicals aren't that bad. Natural ingredients aren't necessarily healthier or any different from ingredients made in a lab. CYANIDE is a natural chemical! THAT doesn't make it GOOD!
