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The new understanding of the universe has come about through the new knowledge amassed in the last hundred years - by psychologists, biologists, and other scientists, by archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians. It has defined man's responsibility and destiny - to be an agent for the rest of the world in the job of realizing its inherent potentialities as fully as possible. It is as if man had been suddenly appointed managing director of the biggest business of all, the business of evolution - appointed without being asked if he wanted it, and without proper warning and preparation. What is more, he can't refuse the job. Whether he wants to or not, whether he is conscious of what he is doing or not, he is in point of fact determining the future direction of evolution on this earth. That is his inescapable destiny, and the sooner he realizes it and starts believing in it, the better for all concerned.

Julian Huxley#10

EvolutionScienceFutureDestiny

About this quote

What does it mean?
Modern science defines humanity's destiny as the agent responsible for realizing the potential of the world and evolution.
In plain terms
Humans are appointed managers of evolution.
What can you take from it?
Accept the role of guiding evolution.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • policy
  • research

Putting it to work

  • study ecology
  • advocate sustainability
  • plan long term

Questions to consider

  • Do you feel a duty to the planet?
  • What should evolution prioritize?

Another view

The idea of humanity as evolution's manager is a metaphor, not a fact.

More from Julian Huxley

  1. As a result of a thousand million years of evolution, the universe is becoming conscious of itself, able to understand something of its past history and its po…

    Permalink to quote #9
  2. What the job really boils down to is this - the fullest realization of man's possibilities, whether by the individual, by the community, or by the species in i…

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. If I am to be remembered, I hope it will not be primarily for my specialized scientific work, but as a generalist; one to whom, enlarging Terence's words, noth…

    Permalink to quote #8

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