Why imagine that specific genes for aggression, dominance, or spite have any importance when we know that the brain’s enormous flexibility permits us to be aggressive or peaceful, dominant or submissive, spiteful or generous? Violence, sexism, and general nastiness are biological since they represent one subset of a possible range of behaviors. But peacefulness, equality, and kindness are just as biological—and we may see their influence increase if we can create social structures that permit them to flourish.
Stephen Jay Gould, “Biological Potentiality vs. Biological Determinism”, Ever Since Darwin: Reflections in Natural History (via darlingtonia-californica)

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