--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Kindliness seems to exist primarily as an…" description: "\"Kindliness seems to exist primarily as an animal instinct, so deeply rooted that mental degeneracy, which works from the top down,does not destroy it u..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a99/charles-horton-cooley-8362_animal_kindliness-seems-to-exist-primarily-as-a_1490715.png" --- # Kindliness seems to exist primarily as an animal instinct… ![“Kindliness seems to exist primarily as an animal instinct, so deeply rooted that mental degeneracy, which works from the top down,does not destroy it until the mind sinks to the lower grades of idiocy.” quote by Charles Horton Cooley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a99/charles-horton-cooley-8362_animal_kindliness-seems-to-exist-primarily-as-a_1490715.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a99/charles-horton-cooley-8362_animal_kindliness-seems-to-exist-primarily-as-a_1490715.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a99/charles-horton-cooley-8362_animal_kindliness-seems-to-exist-primarily-as-a_1490715.png) > “Kindliness seems to exist primarily as an animal instinct, so deeply rooted that mental degeneracy, which works from the top down,does not destroy it until the mind sinks to the lower grades of idiocy.” [Charles Horton Cooley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-horton-cooley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Kindness is a deep animal instinct that persists until mental decline erodes it. **In simple terms:** Kindness is innate, but can be lost with mental decline. Key Takeaway Cultivate mental health to preserve kindness. Themes psychology human nature morality instinct mental health Mood analytical hopeful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - education - mental health care - community building - parenting Key Concepts instinctual behavior cognitive decline social cohesion Questions to Reflect On - What factors strengthen kindness despite cognitive challenges? - How does society protect innate empathy? A Different Perspective Assuming kindness is purely instinctual may overlook cultural influences. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Animal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal/) [Animal instinct](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal-instinct/) [Idiocy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idiocy/) [Instinct](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instinct/) [Kindliness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kindliness/) [Kindness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kindness/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [Mental degeneracy may be caused by lead poisoning. 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