Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
As man advances in civilization, and small tribes are united into larger communities, the simplest reason would tell each individual that he ought to extend his social instincts and sympathies to all members of the same nation, though personally unknown to him. This point being once reached, there is only an artificial barrier to prevent his sympathies extending to the men of all nations and races.
Interpretation
What this quote means
As society progresses, individuals should recognize their shared humanity and extend their empathy beyond familiar circles.
In this quote, Charles Darwin emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals in increasingly interconnected societies to broaden their empathy and understanding beyond their immediate social circles. He argues that as communities grow and evolve, the natural inclination should be to embrace a sense of kinship with all people, transcending artificial barriers like nationality and race that divide us. Darwin suggests that the notion of a shared humanity is essential for the progress of civilization, encouraging individuals to foster connections with others, even those who are strangers.
Themes
EmpathyHumanitySocietyCivilizationConnections
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about global unity, this quote can highlight the importance of extending kindness beyond borders.
More from Charles Darwin
All quotes →The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
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I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
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We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
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I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
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we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
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