To err is human also in so far as animals seldom or never…
“To err is human also in so far as animals seldom or never err, or at least only the cleverest of them do so.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humans err by nature, but animals rarely make mistakes unless they are unusually clever, highlighting human fallibility.
In simple terms: Humans make mistakes; animals rarely do.
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfection and learn from errors.
Themes
human nature
error
comparative cognition
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- daily decision‑making
- teaching
- self‑assessment
Key Concepts
philosophy
biology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this say about the value of humility?
- How can we use animal behavior to improve human judgment?
A Different Perspective
Animal intelligence can be underestimated, complicating the comparison.