"Scientific theories never dictate human values, but they can often cast new light on ethical issues. From a sexual selection viewpoint, moral philosophy and political theory have mostly been attempts to shift male human sexual competitiveness from physical violence to the peaceful accumulation of wealth and status. The rights to life, liberty, and property are cultural inventions that function, in part, to keep males from killing and stealing from one another while they compete to attract sexual partners."
Geoffrey Miller
Psychologist, Author
Geoffrey Miller is an evolutionary psychologist known for his work on human mating and the evolution of intelligence, particularly in his book 'The Mating Mind'.
- Born
- January 1, 1965
- Quotes
- 5
- Rank
- #5783
About Geoffrey Miller
Geoffrey Miller — Life and Legacy
Geoffrey Miller is a prominent evolutionary psychologist whose work has significantly influenced our understanding of human behavior and mating strategies. His book 'The Mating Mind' argues that human intelligence and creativity evolved as traits favored by sexual selection, challenging traditional views of intelligence as merely a survival mechanism. Miller's insights reveal that traits like humor and artistic ability may serve as signals of genetic fitness, thus playing a crucial role in mate selection. Through quotes such as 'We are the products of our ancestors', Miller encapsulates the idea that our current behaviors are deeply rooted in evolutionary history, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our biological heritage. His exploration of sexual selection highlights the complex interplay between evolution and human psychology, suggesting that our preferences and behaviors are not just random but shaped by millennia of evolutionary pressures. Miller's work remains relevant as it provides a framework for understanding contemporary human relationships and societal dynamics, illustrating how our evolutionary past continues to influence our present. His unique perspective challenges existing norms and encourages a deeper examination of the motivations behind human behavior.
Quote collection
Geoffrey Miller quotes
5 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Consumerism is hard to describe when it's the ocean and we're the plankton."
"If most of your courtship attempts have succeeded, you must be a very attractive and charming person who has been aiming too low."
"These capacities for randomness may have been amplified into human creativity through sexual and social selection."
"If you don't have the willpower to stop eating carbs, you won't have the willpower to do a dissertation. #truth."