Skip to content

The dog that buried the bone which even a canine appetite…

“The dog that buried the bone which even a canine appetite could not manage, the squirrel that gathered nuts for a later feast, the bees that filled the comb with honey, the ants that laid up stores for a rainy day - these were among the first creators of civilization. It was they…who taught our…” quote by Will Durant
Download Open image
“The dog that buried the bone which even a canine appetite could not manage, the squirrel that gathered nuts for a later feast, the bees that filled the comb with honey, the ants that laid up stores for a rainy day - these were among the first creators of civilization. It was they…who taught our ancestors the art of providing for tomorrow out of the surplus of today, or of preparing for winter in summer's time of plenty.”

Will Durant

About This Quote

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

Early animals displayed foresight by storing food, teaching humans to plan for future scarcity.

In simple terms: Animals stored food, showing future planning.

Key Takeaway

Learn to save and plan ahead.

Themes

foresight preparation civilization resource management

Mood

reflective inspirational pragmatic

Type

advice historical observational

When to use this quote

  • personal finance
  • food storage
  • emergency preparedness
  • environmental sustainability

Key Concepts

animal behavior surplus theory future planning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you apply animal foresight to modern challenges?
  • What resources can you store today for future security?
A Different Perspective

Human societies also need innovation, not just storage, to thrive.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Will Durant

Explore all 320 Will Durant quotes

More Ancestor quotes

Browse all 767 Ancestor quotes