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Fossey, Fossey, you cranky difficult strong-arming…

“Fossey, Fossey, you cranky difficult strong-arming self-destructive misanthrope, mediocre scientist, deceiver of earnest college students, probable cause of more deaths of the gorillas than if you had never set foot in Rwanda, Fossey, you pain-in-the-ass saint, I do not believe in prayers or…” quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
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“Fossey, Fossey, you cranky difficult strong-arming self-destructive misanthrope, mediocre scientist, deceiver of earnest college students, probable cause of more deaths of the gorillas than if you had never set foot in Rwanda, Fossey, you pain-in-the-ass saint, I do not believe in prayers or souls, but I will pray for your soul, I will remember you for all of my days, in gratitude for that moment by the graves when all I felt was the pure, cleansing sadness of returning home and finding nothing but ghosts.”

Robert M. Sapolsky

About This Quote

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

A complex, emotionally charged tribute mixing criticism and admiration for a controversial figure.

In simple terms: A conflicted homage to a flawed scientist.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge both flaws and contributions.

Themes

conflict legacy science ethics

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical emotive

When to use this quote

  • academic debates
  • conservation policy
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

anthropology conservation human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we reconcile a person's achievements with their moral failings?
  • What responsibilities do scientists have toward their subjects?
A Different Perspective

The tone may alienate readers seeking objective analysis.

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