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In the savage horde the most vagabond, as well as in the…

“In the savage horde the most vagabond, as well as in the most civilized nations of Europe, man is only what he is made to be by external circumstances; he is necessarily elevated by his equals; he contracts from them his habits and his wants; his ideas are no longer his own; he enjoys, from the…” quote by Jean Itard
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““In the savage horde the most vagabond, as well as in the most civilized nations of Europe, man is only what he is made to be by external circumstances; he is necessarily elevated by his equals; he contracts from them his habits and his wants; his ideas are no longer his own; he enjoys, from the enviable prerogative of his species, a capacity of developing his understanding bu the power of initiation, and the influence of society.””

Jean Itard

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human nature is shaped by external circumstances, society, and peers, influencing habits, desires, and ideas.

In simple terms: Society shapes who we become.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on societal influences on your life.

Themes

philosophy society human nature

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

academic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • career development
  • civic engagement

Key Concepts

social conditioning identity formation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How much control do you have over your habits?
  • Can you change your environment?
A Different Perspective

Individual agency also plays a role.

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