1,799 Quotes About Evolution

There are some things that don’t function as one would assume. For example, the impulse and linear thinking associated with the search for happiness most often produce questions like, “What’s in it for me?” or “How do I get what I want?” Paradoxically, if you will, that very question pushes authentic happiness away. Now, to try to explain that to someone in such a way that they hear and are interested by the idea is going to probably involve some paradox and non-linearity.

Each religion has provided a tremendous service in defining elements of conscience. They have made it possible for us to live together in a society, to work toward common goals, and to learn how to accept or tolerate relative opposition to our own opinions. I also think that this has been done much as a parent needs to provide a similar service for an adolescent. Internal and external conflict requires discipline to organize and structure some form of minimizing the chaos imposed on others.

We all understand the value of sacrifice, even if that only involves setting aside dessert so as to lose weight, or putting money in the bank so as to later buy a house. Progress or achievement in any arena requires choices that often oppose what one feels like doing. The trick in truly succeeding with this in the long run is locating enough depth of feeling that the experience of conflicting desires dissolves. For that to happen, one has to learn how to think emotionally and physiologically.

On those who try to make me their guru or master, my approach is to start destroying that from the first moment we meet. It probably seems naive and idealistic, but I rely on basic, old-fashioned qualities in keeping my interactions clean: integrity, chivalry, honesty. In my experience, it’s not that difficult to eliminate the guru paradigm and stereotype, if one really wants to. Finally, it comes down to simply not accepting a role or the associated temptations offered.

There are no pills, though, that one can take to be immortal or to be reunited with loved ones who have died. We may not have a physical pill to address our mortality, but an existencial/spiritual pill already exists. It is called religion.

As I read and reread all the non-Christian or anti-Christian accounts of the faith, from Huxley..., a slow and awful impression gradually and graphically grew upon my mind - the impression that Christianity must be an extraordinary thing. It was attacked on all sides and for all contradictory reasons.

Having children develop a preference for McDonald's (via advertising) is "evil", but teaching them Bronze Age supertitions that are antiethical to every rational and scientific tenet is not.

Do not conform to seek the seekers, but leave the leavers. Wisdom comes from facing what you do not yet understand.

Each one must first compete within the family, then outside the family, and eventually with Self ... The process of Evolution Of Mind does not start otherwise!