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Ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'On Human Nature' and 'Essays on Intellectual Powers 4: Conception'

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