For a wolf, no,” said Tabaqui, “but for so mean a person…
![“For a wolf, no,” said Tabaqui, “but for so mean a person as myself a dry bone is a good feast. Who are we, the Gidur-log [the jackal people], to pick and choose?” He scuttled to the back of the cave, where he found the bone of a buck with some meat on it, and sat cracking the end merrily.” quote by Rudyard Kipling](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/d8a/rudyard-kipling-527_pick-and-choose_for-a-wolf-no-said-tabaqui-but-for-so-me_2827349.jpg)
““For a wolf, no,” said Tabaqui, “but for so mean a person as myself a dry bone is a good feast. Who are we, the Gidur-log [the jackal people], to pick and choose?” He scuttled to the back of the cave, where he found the bone of a buck with some meat on it, and sat cracking the end merrily.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character rationalizes taking a small, unappealing reward because he sees himself as lowly, highlighting self‑justification and survival instinct.
In simple terms: He excuses taking a modest prize because he feels unworthy of better.
Key Takeaway
Accept small gains without over‑justifying.
Themes
survival
self‑justification
humility
resourcefulness
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
narrative
literary
When to use this quote
- hunting
- resource scarcity
- personal compromise
- moral reasoning
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
self‑interest
scarcity mindset
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you rationalize small gains as deserved?
- How does self‑perception affect your choices?
A Different Perspective
May overlook larger ethical considerations in favor of immediate need.