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Airplane Quote by Bertrand Russell

“I once saw a photograph of a large herd of wild elephants in Central Africa Seeing an airplane for the first time, and all in a state of wild collective terror... As, however, there were no journalists among them, the terror died down when the airplane was out of sight.” quote by Bertrand Russell
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“I once saw a photograph of a large herd of wild elephants in Central Africa Seeing an airplane for the first time, and all in a state of wild collective terror... As, however, there were no journalists among them, the terror died down when the airplane was out of sight.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

Source Essay: Reflections on Nature, 1925

Wild animals react fearfully to unfamiliar technology, but calm when the threat disappears.

In simple terms: Animals fear the unknown.

Key Takeaway

Respect nature’s reactions.

Themes

nature fear technology

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

observational environmental

When to use this quote

  • wildlife observation
  • environmental policy
  • education
  • media reporting

Key Concepts

animal behavior psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does technology impact wildlife?
  • What can we learn from animal responses?
A Different Perspective

Human presence can be disruptive even without direct harm.

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