| Sam Harris says "It is difficult to expect mammal apes made of dirt and water to form a global functioning civilization." Can you elaborate on what he actually means with examples? Sam Harris is a philosopher and author who has written extensively on the subject of human nature and the limitations of our species. In the quote you mentioned, he is pointing out the fact that humans are, at our core, animals that are made up of the same basic elements as other mammals. We are not fundamentally different from other apes, and we share many of the same physical and psychological traits. Harris's point is that, because of our inherent nature as animals, it is unrealistic to expect that we can create and maintain a global civilization that functions perfectly and without conflict. Our brains and bodies are not designed for this level of complexity and coordination, and we are prone to making mistakes and engaging in behaviors that can undermine the stability of our society. For example, Harris might point to our tendency towards aggression and violence as a fundamental limitation on our ability to create and maintain a global civilization. Throughout history, humans have engaged in wars, genocides, and other forms of violence against each other, and it is unlikely that this tendency will disappear simply because we have created a global civilization. Similarly, Harris might point to our innate selfishness and short-sightedness as a hindrance to global cooperation and harmony. We are wired to prioritize our own interests and well-being above those of others, and this can lead to conflicts and divisions within society. Overall, Harris's argument is that we should not take the existence of a global civilization for granted, and that we need to be realistic about the limitations and challenges that we face as a species. We need to work together and find ways to overcome our inherent flaws and weaknesses in order to build a better and more sustainable future |