Stephen T. Asma > Quotes

“Wherever we find monsters, there, too, we also find heroes.”
― Stephen T. Asma, On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears

“. . . reality just seems to come in certain undeniable chunks.”
― Stephen T. Asma, Stuffed Animals and Pickled Heads: The Culture and Evolution of Natural History Museums

“Though it may seem a remote possibility to us now, during the formation of the human brain the fear of being grabbed by sharp claws, dragged into a dark hole, and eaten alive was not an abstraction.”
― Stephen T. Asma, On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears

“Are we really powerless in the face of such monstrous inner drives, or is this just a weak and cowardly characterization built by snivelers who refuse to master themselves?”
― Stephen T. Asma, On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears

“Nature does not work to minimize suffering and maximize happiness. Should we thank the E. coli bacteria in our guts that help us to digest certain foods? Should we, alternatively, blame the virus that is breaking down our immune systems and spreading through the host population? These organisms are not evil or noble creatures, intentionally wreaking havoc or health; they are simply doing what comes naturally, which is to say, reproducing. This is not meant to sound callous or insensitive, for it is obvious that our struggle with other organisms matters a great deal to us, causing real delight and real despair. But from the more general evolutionary perspective, this drama is value-neutral.”
― Stephen T. Asma, Stuffed Animals and Pickled Heads: The Culture of Natural History Museums