Animal Quote by Daniel Quinn
![“[I]n Africa I was a member of a family—of a sort of family that the people of your culture haven't known for thousands of years. If gorillas were capable of such an expression, they would tell you that their family is like a hand, of which they are the fingers. They are fully aware of being a…” quote by Daniel Quinn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9c4/daniel-quinn-1786_capable_i-n-africa-i-was-a-member-of-a-family-of_496819.jpg)
“[I]n Africa I was a member of a family—of a sort of family that the people of your culture haven't known for thousands of years. If gorillas were capable of such an expression, they would tell you that their family is like a hand, of which they are the fingers. They are fully aware of being a family but are very little aware of being individuals. Here in the zoo there were other gorillas—but there was no family. Five severed fingers do not make a hand.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Ecologist, 1995
It uses gorilla family dynamics as a metaphor for human social structures, emphasizing collective identity over individualism.
In simple terms: Collective bonds shape us more than individuality.
Key Takeaway
Value community over self.
Themes
community
collectivism
identity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- team projects
- cultural rituals
Key Concepts
social anthropology
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your community define you?
- When does individuality become essential?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on group may suppress personal autonomy.
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