Human Exceptionalism Is at the Root of the Ecological Crisis, Claims Evolutionary Biologist

Human exceptionalism is at the root of the ecological crisis, claims evolutionary biologist

In the grand story of evolution, the crowning human distinction is our big brain. But our large heads have been slow to recognize a less admirable trait of Homo sapiens—self-centeredness.

‘Human exceptionalism is at the root of the ecological crisis’ — Harvard Gazette

Science & Tech ‘Human exceptionalism is at the root of the ecological crisis’ Saving the planet requires getting over ourselves, argues author of ‘The Arrogant Ape’ Kermit Pattison Harvard Staff Writer  October 8, 2025 5 min read In the grand story of evolution, the crowning human distinction is our big brain. But our large heads have been slow to recognize a less admirable trait of Homo sapiens — …