I say you don't need religion, or political ideology, to understand human nature. Science reveals that human nature is greedy and selfish, altruistic and helpful.

Michael Shermer’s quote challenges the conventional belief that religion or political ideology is necessary to understand human nature. Instead, he argues that science provides a more accurate and objective view of humanity. Shermer points out that human nature is not defined by a single set of traits but is rather a combination of conflicting characteristics—greedy, selfish, altruistic, and helpful. By looking at human behavior through the lens of science, we can better understand these complexities without relying on external doctrines or systems.

The mention of science as a tool for understanding human nature reflects Shermer’s belief in the importance of empiricism—the idea that knowledge should be based on observable, testable evidence rather than on subjective beliefs or ideologies. Science, particularly fields like psychology and evolutionary biology, uncovers the dual aspects of human behavior: the selfishness driven by survival instincts and the altruism rooted in social cooperation. Shermer suggests that both these tendencies are part of the evolutionary process and are crucial for understanding why humans behave the way they do.

Shermer’s quote also implies that religion and political ideologies, while offering explanations for human behavior, are not necessary to grasp the complexities of our nature. Instead of relying on these external belief systems, he suggests we should look to science to reveal the biological and psychological foundations of human actions. This perspective aligns with his broader view that critical thinking, skepticism, and scientific inquiry are the best tools for understanding the world and human behavior.

Originating from Michael Shermer, a well-known skeptic and advocate for scientific thinking, the quote reflects his broader philosophy of naturalism. Shermer has written extensively about the ways in which science can explain various aspects of life, including morality, belief systems, and human nature. His work emphasizes the idea that we do not need supernatural explanations to understand the human condition, as science offers more grounded and empirical insights.