Jerzy Vetulani quotes - page 2

Freud is completely unscientific. It's a cross between vision, poetry and deceit. (Jerzy Vetulani)
Religiosity has appeared in the course of evolution and is advantageous for human kind. And although it is believed that it is religion that teaches us what's right and what's wrong, I think religion evolved to substantiate our morality. Brain likes to justify our beheviors. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
Emotions have evolved so that we can make decisions quickly and without thinking in situations where there is no time for reasoning. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
Life is an ulcer on the body of universe. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
Morality allows killing in self-defense, in defense of your group, for example during the war. In addition, we have a smaller problem with taking away life when it is done in a non-personal way. That is why modern conflicts are so bloody – it is harder to break through the opponent's spear or to crush his head with a club yourself, than to launch a long-range rocket aimed at a multi-million metropolis. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
The expression of aggression is conditioned both biologically and culturally and it can be learned. On the other hand, proper upbringing can completely eliminate aggressive behavior, but it must be remembered that biological conditions remain present and aggression can easily be restored. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
I would like to live in a society in which we could go to a cafe and smoke a joint, just as nowadays we eat cake, which may have negative influence on our health as well. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
Empathy and aggression – although seemingly very distant from each other – have a largely similar neurobiological background and are often intertwined. Besides, our entire legal system is based on the fact that excessive empathy activates centers of aggression. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
As I walk through my beloved Krakowski Park and pass by a group of young people from which I can smell beer, I give them a wide berth. But when I feel the weed, I go boldly through their group and sometimes chat. Yes, the abuse of marijuana causes trouble with memory, concentration, but it is a short-lived condition. I'm not talking about extreme cases, but there are few of them. Less than after alcohol. Oneself should sometimes detach from reality to deal with it somehow. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
It is reason, logic and rationality that machines, said to be soulless, have. In the deontological sense, in fact, morality is evolutionary atavism. It let us survive, that's why it was maintained. As parents were not empathetic, not guided by the good of others, children might have not survived, neglected and abandoned by the group, so morality was promoted in the genes. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
As a result of brain evolution, humans managed to develop much more efficient and less risky forms of gaining food than most other carnivorous and omnivorous terrestrial mammals. We do not need now, like our distant ancestors, to go through long periods on the verge of hunger and use all suitable occasions for immoderate consumption "in reserve." Today, in a civilized world, thanks to effective production, we have enough food, and we could consume it rationally, in quantities necessary for efficient functioning. But after our ancestors, we have a deeply ingrained habit of "gorging", especially if the food is attractive. Together with prosperity, the world has been overtaken by an epidemic of obesity and overweight. (Jerzy Vetulani)
My father taught me that in scientific work even the most brilliant intelligence won't be useful if it won't be supported by a long, hard work. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
The biological goal of the existence of every organism becomes understandable when we realize that it acts as a protector of genes worn in it, which must ensure that they move into the child's body before the caregiver himself becomes old and can not function properly. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
To stimulate the brain or not to stimulate? Whether 'tis nobler to take the exam after the sleepless night, with the brain darkened, but not stimulated, or in the chemicals to seek help? To waste a year or to pay health for quick success? I will not advise you. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
A truly Renaissance personality. Absolutely undisputed authority, world-renowned scholar, a real neuroenthusiast who can also spray such a cascade of wit and humor that all anecdotes should hide! View quote
Jerzy Vetulani
He always left a strong and distinctive trace. His personality exerted a great influence on people, on their knowledge, worldview, approach to life. In such an extent he was. That is why it is so difficult to accept his passing away. He died in a result of a tragic accident, full of intellectual strength and full of activity. And I know that if he had anything to say on the matter, he would prefer it just so. View quote
Jerzy Vetulani

Jerzy Vetulani

Jerzy Vetulani - Image
Photo: Wikimedia commons, CC BY 3.0
Occupation: Polish Neuroscientist
Born: January 21, 1936
Died: April 6, 2017
Quotes count: 41
Wikipedia: Jerzy Vetulani

Related authors

John O'Keefe - thumbnail
John O'Keefe  5 
American Scientist