Has joy any survival value in the operations of evolution? I suspect that it does; I suspect that the morose and fearful are doomed to quick extinction. Where there is no joy there can be no courage; and without courage all other virtues are useless.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Joy likely aids survival because fear and gloom lead to extinction, while joy fosters courage and virtue.
- In plain terms
- Being happy helps you survive because fear makes you give up too easily.
- What can you take from it?
- Cultivate joy to build courage and resilience against extinction.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does joy influence your bravery?
- Can courage exist without joy?
Another view
Fear can also drive survival instincts like caution and preparedness.
More from Edward Abbey
A great thirst is a great joy when quenched in time.
Permalink to quote #14 Growth for the sake of growth is a cancerous madness.
Permalink to quote #16 Each thing in its way, when true to its own character, is equally beautiful.
Permalink to quote #13
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