Skip to content

Aboriginal Quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

“In every civilized society there is found a race of men who retain the instincts of the aboriginal cannibal and live upon their fellow-men as a natural food.” quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton
Download Open image
“In every civilized society there is found a race of men who retain the instincts of the aboriginal cannibal and live upon their fellow-men as a natural food.”

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

About This Quote

Source Speech: Unknown, 19th century literary commentary

Some individuals in civilized societies retain primitive, predatory instincts, exploiting others as if they were food.

In simple terms: People can act like predators in modern society.

Key Takeaway

Beware and curb exploitative behavior.

Themes

human nature civilization exploitation

Mood

cynical critical

Type

observational analytical

When to use this quote

  • political analysis
  • ethical debates
  • historical critique

Key Concepts

predatory instinct social decay

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives people to exploit others?
  • How can societies prevent predatory actions?
A Different Perspective

Such behavior may be rationalized by cultural or economic pressures.

4.9 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

Explore all 337 Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton quotes

More Aboriginal quotes

Browse all 174 Aboriginal quotes