Skip to content

Animals Quote by Cornel West

“We’re beings toward death, we’re … two-legged, linguistically-conscious creatures born between urine and feces whose body will one day be the culinary delight of terrestrial worms.” quote by Cornel West
Download Open image
“We’re beings toward death, we’re … two-legged, linguistically-conscious creatures born between urine and feces whose body will one day be the culinary delight of terrestrial worms.”

Cornel West

About This Quote

Source Lecture: Public Philosophy, 2018

Human existence is fragile, absurd, and ultimately returns to nature

In simple terms: We are mortal, messy beings destined to decompose

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and care for the living now

Themes

mortality humor humility existentialism

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • medical ethics
  • environmental activism
  • artistic expression
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

anthropology philosophy of death

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does acknowledging mortality change daily choices?
  • What practices help balance awareness of decay with joy?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on death can cause anxiety or nihilism

2.1 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Cornel West

Explore all 400 Cornel West quotes

More Animals quotes

Browse all 6,705 Animals quotes