If you defend a behavior by arguing that people are programmed directly for it, then how do you continue to defend it if your speculation is wrong, for the behavior then becomes unnatural and worthy of condemnation. Better to stick resolutely to a philosophical position on human liberty: what free adults do with each other in their own private lives is their business alone. It need not be vindicated — and must not be condemned—by genetic speculation.


"So Cleverly Kind an Animal", p. 267 - Ever Since Darwin (1977)

Stephen Jay Gould Quotes

If you defend a behavior by arguing that people are programmed directly for it, then how do you continue to defend it if your speculation is wrong,...

If you defend a behavior by arguing that people are programmed directly for it, then how do you continue to defend it if your speculation is wrong,...

If you defend a behavior by arguing that people are programmed directly for it, then how do you continue to defend it if your speculation is wrong,...

If you defend a behavior by arguing that people are programmed directly for it, then how do you continue to defend it if your speculation is wrong,...