The dangers of reducing humans to mere products of evolution from "summary" of The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis
To see through all creatures, even through man himself, to the root from which they spring is to defeat all the seers and sages who have ever lived. If you attempt it, you will find them all rebelling against your theory. Man is not merely a product of evolution, for he possesses a moral sense that transcends his biological makeup. Reducing humans to mere products of evolution devalues their inherent worth and dignity. It deprives them of the ability to make moral judgments and choices, relegating them to the status of automatons driven solely by instinct and genetic programming. This reductionism fails to account for the complexity and depth of human nature, ignoring the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions that set humans apart from other creatures. By reducing humans to mere products of evolution, we strip them of their humanity and reduce them to mere objects to be manipulated and controlled. This dehumanization opens the door to all manner of abuses and atrocities, as it removes the moral constraints that would otherwise guide our actions. To view humans solely through the lens of evolution is to deny their intrinsic value and significance. It robs them of their uniqueness and individuality, reducing them to interchangeable parts in a mechanistic universe. This reductionism leads to a loss of meaning and purpose, as humans are reduced to mere cogs in the wheel of progress.- The dangers of reducing humans to mere products of evolution are manifold. It undermines our sense of morality and ethics, erodes our understanding of human nature, and diminishes our appreciation for the mystery and wonder of existence. To embrace such reductionism is to deny our humanity and forsake our birthright as rational and moral beings.
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