Meaning: This quote by John Bernal, a prominent scientist, delves into the concept of naturalism and its limitations in fulfilling human desires. Naturalism, in the context of philosophy and literature, is a belief that everything arises from natural properties and causes, and supernatural or spiritual explanations are not necessary. It is often associated with a deterministic view of the world, where human behavior and existence are determined by biological, psychological, and environmental factors, rather than by free will or spiritual forces. Bernal's quote suggests that naturalism attempts to indulge primitive human desires, but ultimately fails because these desires are too basic, immature, and contradictory to be satisfied even with the most unrestrained freedom.

The notion of primitive wishes refers to the fundamental, instinctual desires that are inherent in human nature. These wishes encompass basic needs such as food, shelter, and procreation, as well as more complex desires related to power, recognition, and self-preservation. Naturalism, in its attempt to embrace and accommodate these primal urges, acknowledges the significance of human instincts and inclinations in shaping behavior and motivations. However, Bernal's assertion that these wishes are too primitive and infantile implies that they are inherently unsophisticated and unsuitable for fulfillment through unrestrained expression.

The concept of "greatest license" in Bernal's quote alludes to the idea of granting absolute freedom or liberty to individuals in the pursuit of their desires. It suggests a scenario where there are minimal or no constraints on human actions, allowing for the unbridled expression of primitive wishes. However, the quote posits that even with such unfettered freedom, these primitive wishes remain unsatisfied. This assertion challenges the belief that complete freedom would lead to the fulfillment of human desires, highlighting the inherent inadequacy of primitive wishes in achieving genuine satisfaction.

Bernal's statement implies that primitive wishes are too inconsistent with themselves to be fulfilled. This inconsistency may stem from the conflicting and ever-changing nature of human desires. Individuals may find that their desires are in constant flux, leading to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction. Moreover, the conflicting nature of these desires may result in a perpetual sense of unfulfillment, as the pursuit of one desire may conflict with the fulfillment of another.

In the context of naturalism, Bernal's quote sheds light on the limitations of this philosophical approach in addressing the complexity of human desires. While naturalism acknowledges the influence of biological and environmental factors on human behavior, it falls short in providing a comprehensive understanding of the intricate and often contradictory nature of human desires. By emphasizing the primitive, infantile, and inconsistent qualities of these wishes, Bernal challenges the adequacy of naturalism in addressing the deeper complexities of human motivation and fulfillment.

In conclusion, Bernal's quote encapsulates a critical perspective on naturalism and the fulfillment of human desires. It raises thought-provoking questions about the inherent limitations of indulging primitive wishes and the inadequacy of naturalism in addressing the complexities of human desires. By highlighting the primitive, infantile, and inconsistent nature of these wishes, the quote prompts contemplation on the multifaceted and often elusive nature of human fulfillment and the philosophical frameworks that seek to understand it.