--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A bird doesn’t attempt to swim, and a cat…" description: "\"“A bird doesn’t attempt to swim, and a cat doesn’t attempt to fly. Yet both are completely content. Their dharma is anchored in instinct. Humans are co..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87c/darren-main-4353_buddhism_a-bird-doesn-t-attempt-to-swim-and-a-cat_2761550.jpg" --- # A bird doesn’t attempt to swim, and a cat doesn’t attempt… ![“A bird doesn’t attempt to swim, and a cat doesn’t attempt to fly. Yet both are completely content. Their dharma is anchored in instinct. Humans are continually trying to live out of accord with their dharma and so contentment remains elusive.” quote by Darren Main](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87c/darren-main-4353_buddhism_a-bird-doesn-t-attempt-to-swim-and-a-cat_2761550.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87c/darren-main-4353_buddhism_a-bird-doesn-t-attempt-to-swim-and-a-cat_2761550.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87c/darren-main-4353_buddhism_a-bird-doesn-t-attempt-to-swim-and-a-cat_2761550.jpg) > ““A bird doesn’t attempt to swim, and a cat doesn’t attempt to fly. Yet both are completely content. Their dharma is anchored in instinct. Humans are continually trying to live out of accord with their dharma and so contentment remains elusive.”” [Darren Main](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/darren-main/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Animals accept their natural roles; humans often act against their nature, leading to discontent. **In simple terms:** Living against nature causes unhappiness. Key Takeaway Align actions with innate purpose for peace. Themes philosophy spirituality contentment Mood contemplative inspirational Type spiritual motivational When to use this quote - mindfulness practice - career choices - personal development Key Concepts dharma instinct human nature Questions to Reflect On - What is your personal dharma? - How can you balance instinct with ambition? A Different Perspective Rigid adherence to instinct may limit growth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Buddhism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhism/) [Content Dharma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/content-dharma-3173308/) [Contentment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contentment/) [Dharma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dharma/) [Dharma Anchored](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dharma-anchored-3173307/) [Dharma Contentment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dharma-contentment-3173306/) [Meditation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meditation/) [Mindfulness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mindfulness/) [Yoga](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/yoga/) ## Related quotes > [“There is a need somewhere in this world that only your dharma, fully expressed, can fulfill. 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