"An animal that embarks on forming states without greatly restricting egoism will perish"

In this quote, popular physicist Erwin Schrödinger is most likely commenting on the necessity of cooperation and self-regulation within societies for them to grow. Schrödinger uses the metaphor of an "animal" to represent any social organism or entity, including people or human societies. The terms "forming states" can be understood as the advancement and company of structured communities or societies.

The key principle here is "limiting egoism", which refers to the requirement for individuals within a society to limit their self-centered desires and actions for the higher good of the neighborhood. Egoism usually involves focusing on one's own requirements and desires over those of others, which can result in dispute and dysfunction within a group. Schrödinger suggests that unattended egoism is damaging to the survival of a state or society. If individuals or subgroups within the society act simply out of self-interest without consideration for collective wellness, it can lead to destabilization and potential collapse.

The phrase "will perish" acts as a stark caution that the survival of a society is contingent upon its ability to manage and mitigate self-centered propensities. This aligns with many historical and sociological observations where societies that cultivate partnership, consistency, and mutual support tend to be more resistant and prosperous. Conflicts developing from untreated egoism can cause social fragmentation, resource depletion, and ultimately, the collapse of social structures.

Schrödinger's message speaks to the importance of social cohesion, selflessness, and the facility of standards, laws, and behaviors that promote the common good. Effective states require systems that motivate people to collaborate, typically necessitating the curtailment of simply self-centered behavior to guarantee cumulative success and survival. This perspective highlights the delicate balance in between private flexibilities and social obligations as a vital part of social evolution and endurance.