Chimpanzees Quote by David Livingstone Smith
““Like it or not, war is distinctively human. Apart from the raiding behavior of chimpanzees and the so-called wars prosecuted by certain species of ant, there is nothing in nature that comes anywhere near approximating it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moral Problem of the Human Condition, 2009
War is uniquely human, unlike animal conflicts, reflecting deep cultural and moral dimensions.
In simple terms: War is uniquely human.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on war's roots.
Themes
war
human nature
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- history lessons
- peace activism
- policy debates
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
philosophy
anthropology
conflict studies
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do humans create war?
- Can war ever be moral?
A Different Perspective
War's justification is contested.
