"Humanity could only have survived and flourished if it held social and personal values that transcended the urges of the individual, embodying selfish desires - and these stem from the sense of a transcendent good"

Arthur Peacocke's quote articulates a profound observation about the interplay in between individual desires and the more comprehensive social and moral worths that govern human society. At its core, the quote recommends that for humankind to both endure and thrive, there requires to be a framework of values that transcends simple individual self-interest. These worths need to guide habits beyond the self-centered impulses that are innate to humanity.

Peacocke presumes that these worths are rooted in a "sense of a transcendent great". This suggests a belief in ideals or principles that are greater than the person, including notions of altruism, compassion, and collective wellness. A "transcendent excellent" recommends something that exceeds everyday concerns and interest a greater moral or ethical requirement, possibly linked to spiritual or philosophical beliefs about what makes up a significant or virtuous life.

The quote acknowledges the truth of private urges and desires, which are essentially selfish, as part of the human condition. Nevertheless, it likewise stresses the significance of values that motivate people to look beyond themselves, promoting cooperation, community, and cumulative development. Such values can consist of justice, compassion, and responsibility towards others, which are essential for keeping unified societies and guaranteeing the well-being of future generations.

In analyzing Peacocke's words, one might review how societies establish systems, such as laws, educational methods, and cultural norms, to cultivate and strengthen these transcendent worths. The survival of humanity, for that reason, depends upon its ability to stabilize private interests with the requirements of the community, promoting a shared sense of purpose and connection.

Eventually, the quote highlights the double nature of mankind: the continuous stress in between self-interest and the collective great. It functions as a reminder that the development and thriving of humanity depend not on the suppression of private desires however on their integration within a framework of worths that aspire to a greater, cumulative excellent.