Single Idea 4535

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

Full Idea

When a 'species' appears, it is a phase in which evolution is not visible, so an equilibrium seems to have been attained, making possible the false notion that a goal has been attained, and that evolution has a goal.

Gist of Idea

A 'species' is a stable phase of evolution, implying the false notion that evolution has a goal

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Will to Power (notebooks) [1888], §521)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Will to Power', ed/tr. Kaufmann,W /Hollingdate,R [Vintage 1968], p.282


A Reaction

A penetrating explanation of a crucial that won't go away, and that still grips people's minds. Even if we all want a particular goal, evolution will ignore our dreams and go another way.