Man is said to be a reasoning animal. I do not know why he…
“Man is said to be a reasoning animal. I do not know why he has not been defined as an affective or feeling animal. Perhaps that which differentiates him from other animals is feeling rather than reason. More often I have seen a cat reason than laugh or weep. Perhaps it weeps or laughs inwardly — but then perhaps, also inwardly, the crab resolves equations of the second degree.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He questions whether humans are defined by reason or feeling, suggesting feeling may be more fundamental.
In simple terms: He wonders if feeling, not reason, defines humans.
Key Takeaway
Value emotions alongside logic.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
emotion
Mood
contemplative
philosophical
Type
literary
existential
When to use this quote
- personal introspection
- psychology studies
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
existentialism
reason vs feeling
animal cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize feeling or reason?
- Can both coexist harmoniously?
A Different Perspective
Emotion alone may not guide actions.