Combining Texts

Ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'Freedom of the Will and concept of a person' and 'On Human Nature'

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2 ideas

26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / c. Purpose denied

5308	The only human purpose is that created by our genetic history [Wilson,EO]
	Full Idea: No species, ours included, possesses a purpose beyond the imperatives created by its genetic history.
	From: Edmund O. Wilson (On Human Nature [1978], Ch.1)
	A reaction: This invites the question of what that purpose is perceived to be. Some people feel an imperative to play the piano all day, so presumably genetic history has created that feeling. Presumably we can also choose a purpose, even extinction.

26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 5. Infinite in Nature

1748	Archelaus was the first person to say that the universe is boundless [Archelaus, by Diog. Laertius]
	Full Idea: Archelaus was the first person to say that the universe is boundless.
	From: report of Archelaus (fragments/reports [c.450 BCE]) by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 02.Ar.3