Baboons Quote by Charles Darwin
“For my own part I would as soon be descended from that heroic little monkey, who braved his dreaded enemy in order to save the life of his keeper; or from that old baboon, who, descending from the mountains, carried away in triumph his young comrade from a crowd of astonished dogs-as from a savage who delights to torture his enemies, offers up bloody sacrifices, practices infanticide without remorse, treats his wives like slaves, knows no decency, and is haunted by the grossest superstitions.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Descent of Man, Charles Darwin, 1871
The passage contrasts noble, heroic animal behavior with brutal, immoral human actions, highlighting a tension between natural virtue and cultural vice.
In simple terms: It compares brave animal deeds to cruel human acts, showing a conflict between natural goodness and human cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and cultivate the noble instincts within us while rejecting cruelty.
Themes
nature
morality
humanity
civilization
violence
Mood
reflective
critical
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- education reform
- animal welfare advocacy
- human rights activism
- personal moral reflection
Key Concepts
evolutionary ethics
animal behavior
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What innate virtues can we nurture to counteract societal cruelty?
- How does recognizing animal heroism influence our moral standards?
A Different Perspective
Human societies often justify cruelty through tradition, limiting progress toward ethical behavior.
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