The animals to whom nature has given the faculty we call…
“The animals to whom nature has given the faculty we call cunning know always when to use it, and use it wisely; but when man descends to cunning he blunders and betrays.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Cunning is a natural skill used wisely by animals, but humans misuse it, leading to betrayal.
In simple terms: Animals use cunning wisely; humans often misuse it.
Avoid overusing cleverness; stay honest.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- politics
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you let cleverness backfire?
- How can you channel cunning constructively?
Cunning can be beneficial when applied ethically.