"Culture tends to argue that it forbids only that which is unnatural. But from a biological perspective, nothing is unnatural. Whatever is possible is by definition also natural. A truly unnatural behavior, one that goes against the laws of nature, simply cannot exist"
Quote meaning
The core idea here is that culture often tries to dictate what is "natural" and what isn't. But if you look at it from a biological standpoint, anything that happens in the world is natural because it's part of nature's realm. If something is physically possible, then it can't be unnatural. The notion of something being "truly unnatural" is a contradiction because it wouldn't be able to exist in the first place if it defied nature's laws.
This concept makes sense when you consider human history. Think about how society has evolved and what we’ve resisted or embraced over time. For instance, various cultures have found countless ways to claim that certain behaviors or practices are unnatural, often to maintain control or resist change. Take left-handedness as an example. For centuries, being left-handed was stigmatized. People thought it was unusual or wrong, forcing children to switch hands in school. Yet, left-handedness is simply a variation of human biology, not an aberration.
Let’s dive into a real-life example. Consider the societal attitudes toward same-sex relationships. Many cultures have historically labeled these relationships as unnatural. However, from a biological perspective, same-sex behavior is observed in numerous animal species. Penguins, dolphins, and even some primates exhibit homosexual behavior. This demonstrates that same-sex relationships are a natural part of the biological world, contradicting the cultural argument that they are unnatural.
So, how do you apply this wisdom? The key is to question the status quo and differentiate between cultural norms and biological facts. The next time someone claims something is unnatural, take a step back. Ask yourself if this behavior or characteristic exists in the natural world. If it does, it's natural by default. Don’t let ingrained cultural biases cloud your understanding of what’s biologically possible.
Imagine you’re at a family dinner and the topic of gender identity comes up. Someone might argue that non-binary or transgender identities are unnatural. Reflect on the idea that diverse gender expressions exist across different cultures and species. In various indigenous cultures, there have always been accepted roles beyond the male-female binary. Biologically, intersex individuals are born with a mix of male and female characteristics. This diversity shows that gender fluidity is not only possible but also natural.
Now, picture this: a high school student, Alex, loves dancing. But Alex is a boy, and some classmates think dancing is for girls. They call him names, saying he’s weird or unnatural. Alex feels crushed, but then he starts researching. He discovers that dance is a universal human expression found in every culture, performed by people of all genders. Alex realizes that dancing is as natural as breathing—it’s a way humans and even animals express joy, tell stories, and connect with others. Armed with this knowledge, Alex confidently continues to dance, knowing he's part of a long, natural tradition.
In essence, recognizing that whatever is possible is natural can free you from rigid cultural constraints. It helps you embrace the diversity of human and animal behaviors without judgment. So next time you hear something being labeled as unnatural, remember that nature is vast and varied—just like us.
This concept makes sense when you consider human history. Think about how society has evolved and what we’ve resisted or embraced over time. For instance, various cultures have found countless ways to claim that certain behaviors or practices are unnatural, often to maintain control or resist change. Take left-handedness as an example. For centuries, being left-handed was stigmatized. People thought it was unusual or wrong, forcing children to switch hands in school. Yet, left-handedness is simply a variation of human biology, not an aberration.
Let’s dive into a real-life example. Consider the societal attitudes toward same-sex relationships. Many cultures have historically labeled these relationships as unnatural. However, from a biological perspective, same-sex behavior is observed in numerous animal species. Penguins, dolphins, and even some primates exhibit homosexual behavior. This demonstrates that same-sex relationships are a natural part of the biological world, contradicting the cultural argument that they are unnatural.
So, how do you apply this wisdom? The key is to question the status quo and differentiate between cultural norms and biological facts. The next time someone claims something is unnatural, take a step back. Ask yourself if this behavior or characteristic exists in the natural world. If it does, it's natural by default. Don’t let ingrained cultural biases cloud your understanding of what’s biologically possible.
Imagine you’re at a family dinner and the topic of gender identity comes up. Someone might argue that non-binary or transgender identities are unnatural. Reflect on the idea that diverse gender expressions exist across different cultures and species. In various indigenous cultures, there have always been accepted roles beyond the male-female binary. Biologically, intersex individuals are born with a mix of male and female characteristics. This diversity shows that gender fluidity is not only possible but also natural.
Now, picture this: a high school student, Alex, loves dancing. But Alex is a boy, and some classmates think dancing is for girls. They call him names, saying he’s weird or unnatural. Alex feels crushed, but then he starts researching. He discovers that dance is a universal human expression found in every culture, performed by people of all genders. Alex realizes that dancing is as natural as breathing—it’s a way humans and even animals express joy, tell stories, and connect with others. Armed with this knowledge, Alex confidently continues to dance, knowing he's part of a long, natural tradition.
In essence, recognizing that whatever is possible is natural can free you from rigid cultural constraints. It helps you embrace the diversity of human and animal behaviors without judgment. So next time you hear something being labeled as unnatural, remember that nature is vast and varied—just like us.
MORE QUOTES BY Yuval Noah Harari
FEATURED QUOTES