Absurd Quote by Charles Darwin
![“It is absurd to talk of one animal being higher than another...we consider those, where the intellectual faculties most developed as the highest. - A bee doubtless would [use] ... instincts as a criteria.” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6eb/charles-darwin-507_absurd_it-is-absurd-to-talk-of-one-animal-being_3115116.jpg)
“It is absurd to talk of one animal being higher than another...we consider those, where the intellectual faculties most developed as the highest. - A bee doubtless would [use] ... instincts as a criteria.”
About This Quote
Source Book: On the Origin of Species, 1859
It critiques the idea of ranking animals by intellect, arguing that using instinct as a measure is flawed.
In simple terms: Ranking animals by intellect is flawed.
Key Takeaway
Avoid judging worth by intellect alone.
Themes
eity
humility
biology
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- Wildlife research
- education
- conservation policy
Key Concepts
Evolution
species hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we value species beyond intellect?
- What criteria should guide our respect for other beings?
A Different Perspective
Intellect alone cannot capture an animal's ecological value.
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
![“I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science…It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/958/charles-darwin-507_bounds_i-am-quite-conscious-that-my-speculation_35382.jpg)
