Right and wrong are not simply matters of evolutionary impacts and what is natural. Julian Baggini Read Quote
If there’s one thing that makes me cynical, it’s optimists. They are just far too cynical about cynicism. If only they could see that cynics can be happy, constructive, even fun to hang out with, they might learn a thing or two. Julian Baggini Read Quote
The optimist underestimates how difficult it is to achieve real change, believing that anything is possible and it’s possible now. Only by confronting head-on the reality that all progress is going to be obstructed by vested interests and corrupted by human venality can we create realistic programmes that actually have a chance of success. Julian Baggini Read Quote
Progress is more of a challenge for the cynic but also more important and urgent, since for the optimist things aren’t that bad and are bound to get better anyway. Julian Baggini Read Quote
Stress means something different if it is the result of rewarding work rather than struggling to keep the family out of debt. Julian Baggini Read Quote
This is the deal: we are happy to single out people as superior just as long as they don’t accept the description themselves. We want heroes and idols, but we also want egalitarianism, and that requires proclamations of humility from our gods. Julian Baggini Read Quote
The truly humble feel the ground beneath their feet every day and do not only become aware of it when held aloft or pushed down to their knees. Julian Baggini Read Quote
Trade has played a vital role in the social evolution of humankind. It allowed people to specialise, which raises both skill levels and efficiency. It brought people from different lands together, co-operating rather than competing over resources. Julian Baggini Read Quote
People do care where their food, or other goods, comes from, not merely if the price is right. And that means no business can afford to ignore the impacts their buying practices have on producers and on the perceptions and choices of consumers. Julian Baggini Read Quote
If we find it hard to believe that winning millions might not be so lucky after all, we just don’t have a good enough imagination. If I fantasise about winning the lottery, it doesn’t take long before all sorts of worrisome potential consequences occur to me. Julian Baggini Read Quote
