This earth is one of the rare spots in the cosmos where mind has flowered. Man is a product of nearly three billion years of evolution, in whose person the evolutionary process has at last become conscious of itself and its possibilities. Whether he likes it or not, he is responsible for the whole further evolution of our planet.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Human consciousness represents a rare evolutionary milestone where life becomes aware of itself and its future role.
- In plain terms
- Humans are unique in recognizing their role in evolution.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize your responsibility for planetary evolution.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does responsibility to Earth mean to you?
- How can individuals affect evolution?
Another view
The claim of human uniqueness is debated among scientists.
More from Julian Huxley
The entire cosmos is made out of one and the same world-stuff, operated by the same energy as we ourselves. 'Mind' and 'matter' appears as two aspects of our u…
Permalink to quote #19 Man emerged as the dominant type on earth about a million years ago, but has only been really effective as a psychosocial organism for under ten thousand years…
Permalink to quote #21 We shall start from new premises.... The human species can, if it wishes, transcend itself - not just sporadically, an individual here in one way, an individua…
Permalink to quote #18
Related quotes
Let us understand what our own selfish genes are up to, because we may then at least have a chance to upset their designs, something that no other species has …
Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins quote #16 Man emerged as the dominant type on earth about a million years ago, but has only been really effective as a psychosocial organism for under ten thousand years…
Julian HuxleyJulian Huxley quote #21 Throughout history, people have lived in poverty and misery. They have been degraded by hunger and ignorance, they have tormented each other and been driven in…
Olof PalmeOlof Palme quote #1