Absurd Quote by Beryl Markham
“It is absurd for a man to kill an elephant. It is not brutal, it is not heroic, and certainly it is not easy; it is just one of those preposterous things that men do like putting a dam across a great river, one tenth of whose volume could engulf the whole of mankind without disturbing the domestic life of a single catfish.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “West with the Night” by Beryl Markham, 1942
Killing an elephant is a senseless act that illustrates humanity’s hubris and the destructive impact of small actions on the whole.
In simple terms: Violent acts show human arrogance and can cause massive harm.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the broader consequences of our deeds.
Themes
environment
ethics
hubris
Mood
concerned
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- wildlife conservation
- policy making
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
ecology
moral responsibility
scale of impact
Questions to Reflect On
- What small actions can lead to large ecological damage?
- How can societies curb reckless behavior?
![“[The lion] began to contemplate me with a kind of quiet premeditation, like that of a slow-witted man fondling an unaccustomed thought.” quote by Beryl Markham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ad2/beryl-markham-6709_contemplate_the-lion-began-to-contemplate-me-with-a_193009.jpg)
