People Quote by Deborah Copaken Kogan
““Because that was the problem, really, wasn’t it, with being human? You couldn’t just be, couldn’t just live and exist without dragging your feet through the mud. You had to communicate, congregate, collaborate, cohabiate. You had to corroborate. Copulate. You had to co-this, co-that, co—bloody-everything, and if you weren’t co-operating you were operating with the co, which was a declaration less of independence than of relativity. You could only really exist in relation to others.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, Deborah Copaken Kogan, 2015
Human existence is fundamentally relational; we need connection, cooperation, and shared activity to truly live.
In simple terms: We live through relationships and cooperation.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize building genuine connections.
Themes
relationships
cooperation
human nature
dependence
sociality
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- team projects
- family life
- community building
- collaborative work
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
interdependence
relational ontology
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you foster meaningful cooperation?
- What relationships define your sense of self?
A Different Perspective
Alone, individuals cannot fully realize their humanity.
