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Body Quote by Douglas Coupland

“You're right, a spleen is a strange thing-we technically don't need one, but maybe spleens are kept in our bodies in case we mutate or evolve, and if we grow wings or tentacles we need to have the spleen in place in order for them to work.” quote by Douglas Coupland
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“You're right, a spleen is a strange thing-we technically don't need one, but maybe spleens are kept in our bodies in case we mutate or evolve, and if we grow wings or tentacles we need to have the spleen in place in order for them to work.”

Douglas Coupland

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Art of the Novel, Douglas Coupland, 2010

The spleen may seem unnecessary now, but it could be a backup organ for future evolutionary changes like wings or tentacles.

In simple terms: Spleen might be a future backup organ.

Key Takeaway

Consider how current traits could serve unknown purposes.

Themes

evolution biology adaptation

Mood

curious speculative thoughtful

Type

scientific philosophical creative

When to use this quote

  • medical research
  • speculative biology
  • creative writing
  • education

Key Concepts

organ redundancy future potential

Questions to Reflect On

  • What current human features might become useful in future environments?
  • How does this idea influence our view of bodily design?
A Different Perspective

Our bodies retain organs that may seem redundant, yet they could become essential under new conditions.

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