We adore babies because they're so cute. And, of course, we are amused by jokes because they are funny. This is all backwards. It is. And Darwin shows us why.

Daniel Dennett’s quote challenges our intuitive understanding of why we find certain things appealing, such as babies and jokes. He suggests that we adore babies for their cuteness and enjoy jokes because they are funny, but he argues that this is a bit backward from a biological standpoint. According to Dennett, our love for babies and humor may have evolved for survival and social bonding reasons, rather than being purely based on their aesthetic qualities. The quote implies that there are deeper, evolutionary reasons behind why we find these things so appealing, and these reasons are tied to our human nature.

The reference to Darwin alludes to the idea that these preferences might have evolutionary roots. Darwin’s theories of natural selection suggest that traits or behaviors which contribute to survival and reproduction are passed on over time. Dennett is suggesting that our affection for babies and humor may have evolved because they serve larger social functions, like bonding and forming connections within communities, rather than simply being appreciated for their surface-level qualities.

Dennett’s comment also highlights the complexity of human emotions and behaviors. What seems like a simple attraction to cuteness or laughter could be deeply ingrained in our evolutionary past, influencing how we form relationships and interact with others. His perspective challenges us to think beyond the surface of these experiences and to recognize that they may serve purposes far beyond our immediate understanding.

Originating from Dennett’s background as a philosopher and cognitive scientist, the quote reflects his belief in examining human behaviors from an evolutionary and scientific viewpoint. By using Darwin as a reference, he encourages us to consider how much of what we deem as instinctual or natural may actually be shaped by evolutionary forces, influencing even our most basic emotional responses.