Believe Quote by Charles Portis
“I have known some horses and a good many more pigs who I believe harbored evil intent in their hearts. I will go further and say all cats are wicked, though often useful. Who has not seen Satan in their sly faces?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Last Ride, 1975
The narrator humorously attributes malevolent intent to animals, reflecting a cynical view of nature and humanity.
In simple terms: Animals are portrayed as mischievous or evil.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about animal behavior.
Themes
cynicism
humor
anthropomorphism
nature
Mood
wry
satirical
Type
narrative
humorous
When to use this quote
- rural storytelling
- character monologue
- folk tales
- comic narration
Key Concepts
animal symbolism
moral projection
satire
Questions to Reflect On
- What does labeling animals as wicked reveal about the narrator?
- How does humor affect moral judgment?
A Different Perspective
Overgeneralization can obscure nuanced understanding.
