Arthur C. Clarke on "Human Nature"

From: Chen Yixiong, Eric (cyixiong@yahoo.com)
Date: Mon Oct 29 2001 - 19:37:47 MST


This expresses some of my view on "human nature", but much more forcefully.

On page 422 & 423 of the book "Greetings, Carbon-based Biceps!", he wrote:

"At this point, many of my readers would be muttering, "You can't change
human nature" - as if it exists! Perhaps the only characteristics that
distinguishes we humans from the other animals is our infinite flexibility
- and our ability to take for granted changes that once seemed
inconceivable.

Not many centuries ago there were societies that a gentleman would feel
naked without a sword - and was prepared to use it. There was a time when
public executions, for such crimes such as stealing a loaf of bread, were
common entertainments.

We still have a long way to go, but those who deny that Homo sapiens is
incapable of making the necessary adjustment to survive are traitors to
their species."

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