Skip to content

Ability Quote by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

“I never heard of anybody who admired the character of sheep. Even the gentlest human personalities in contact with them are annoyed by their lack of brains, courage and initiative, by their extraordinary ability to get themselves into uncomfortable or dangerous situations and then wait in inert…” quote by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Download Open image
“I never heard of anybody who admired the character of sheep. Even the gentlest human personalities in contact with them are annoyed by their lack of brains, courage and initiative, by their extraordinary ability to get themselves into uncomfortable or dangerous situations and then wait in inert helplessness for someone to rescue them.”

Dorothy Canfield Fisher

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Character of Sheep, 1915

Sheep symbolize passivity and dependence, lacking courage and initiative, leading to reliance on rescue.

In simple terms: Sheep are passive and need help.

Key Takeaway

Avoid complacency; develop initiative.

Themes

passivity dependence courage initiative rescue

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • leadership training
  • team dynamics
  • personal growth
  • risk management

Key Concepts

psychology social critique animal symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does reliance on others affect your growth?
  • When is it okay to wait for help?
A Different Perspective

Passive behavior can be adaptive in some contexts.

2.5 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Explore all 50 Dorothy Canfield Fisher quotes

More Ability quotes

Browse all 9,990 Ability quotes