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When some portion of the biosphere is rather unpopular…

“When some portion of the biosphere is rather unpopular with the human race-a crocodile, a dandelion, a stony valley, a snowstorm, an odd-shaped flint-there are three sorts of human being who are particularly likely still to see point in it and befriend it. They are poets, scientists and children…” quote by Mary Midgley
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“When some portion of the biosphere is rather unpopular with the human race-a crocodile, a dandelion, a stony valley, a snowstorm, an odd-shaped flint-there are three sorts of human being who are particularly likely still to see point in it and befriend it. They are poets, scientists and children. Inside each of us, I suggest, representatives of all these groups can be found.”

Mary Midgley

About This Quote

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

Poets, scientists, and children uniquely appreciate and befriend the often-unpleasant parts of nature, revealing diverse ways to find meaning.

In simple terms: Poets, scientists, children see value in harsh nature.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate curiosity about all aspects of the world.

Themes

nature appreciation diversity perspective

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • environmental activism
  • parenting
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

ecology philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we teach others to see value in the unwanted?
  • What role does curiosity play in bridging discomfort?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone can easily connect with uncomfortable natural elements.

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