A Quote by Richard Dawkins

Any altruistic system is inherently unstable, because it is open to abuse by selfish individuals, ready to exploit it. — © Richard Dawkins
Any altruistic system is inherently unstable, because it is open to abuse by selfish individuals, ready to exploit it.
Selfish genes actually explain altruistic individuals, and to me that's crystal-clear.
Any item of clothing that covers the face and makes it impossible to identify individuals is open to abuse.
I've never really understood the criticism that climbing is inherently selfish, since it could equally be argued about virtually any other hobby or sport. Is gardening selfish?
Because one species is more clever than another, does it give it the right to imprison or torture the less clever species? Does one exceptionally clever individual have a right to exploit the less clever individuals of his own species? To say that he does is to say with the Fascists that the strong have a right to abuse and exploit the weak - might is right, and the strong and ruthless shall inherit the earth.
Purely altruistic behavior is pretty much impossible because of the selfish pleasures we derive from it.
It's one of the biggest problems with the system now. Vague regulations leave the system open to abuse.
The intelligent altruists, though less altruistic than unintelligent altruists, will be fitter than both unintelligent altruists and selfish individuals.
You need to identify the values that come out of that kind of belief system, because I don't see them. All the polls I look at say, for example, that adultery is committed as much in the Bible Belt as in any other part of the country. The same goes for abortion, child abuse, spouse abuse or murder.
Science is a victim of its own reductive metaphors: 'Big Bang,' 'selfish gene' and so on. Richard Dawkins' selfish gene fitted with the Thatcherite politics of the time. It should actually be the 'altruistic gene,' but he'd never have sold as many books with a title like that.
Competing is intense among humans, and within a group, selfish individuals always win. But in contests between groups, groups of altruists always beat groups of selfish individuals.
The point in lifeis to find equilibrium in what is inherently unstable.
Jihadist organizations attempt to exploit discontent among marginalized groups in unstable societies.
There are ways to abuse the microfinance system, just like there are ways to abuse the mortgage system. The solution is not to ban mortgages.
Every action that we take has some motivation of either being selfish or altruistic. All that adds up.
There is nothing superstitious about forcing bad consequences for the hubris of paternalistic utopianism. Humanity should never be frozen into a vision of the best. A creative society must be willing to tolerate some degree of instability because creativity is inherently unstable.
Successful givers secure their oxygen masks before coming to the assistance of others. Although their motives may be less purely altruistic, their actions prove more altruistic, because they give more.
This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. More info...
Got it!