more from Friedrich Nietzsche

Single Idea 7178

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / G. Biology / 3. Evolution]

Full Idea

The utility of an organ does not explain its origin, on the contrary!

Gist of Idea

The utility of an organ does not explain its origin, on the contrary!

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Writings from Late Notebooks [1887], 07[25])

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Writings from the Late Notebooks', ed/tr. Bittner,Rüdiger [CUP 2003], p.134


A Reaction

This may be wishful thinking on Nietzsche's part, wanting the human mind to be free of its utility for survival, so that it can be focused on 'higher' things. We can explain by origin and purpose, but also by causal possibilities.