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Anarchy Quote by Emma Goldman

“John Burroughs has stated that experimental study of animals in captivity is absolutely useless. Their character, their habits, their appetites undergo a complete transformation when torn from their soil in field and forest. With human nature caged in a narrow space, whipped daily into submission…” quote by Emma Goldman
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“John Burroughs has stated that experimental study of animals in captivity is absolutely useless. Their character, their habits, their appetites undergo a complete transformation when torn from their soil in field and forest. With human nature caged in a narrow space, whipped daily into submission, how can we speak of its potentialities?”

Emma Goldman

About This Quote

Source Essay: On Animal Captivity, Emma Goldman, 1910

Captivity alters animals' true nature, making observations unreliable for understanding their natural behavior.

In simple terms: Animals change when confined, so study in captivity is useless.

Key Takeaway

Study wildlife in natural habitats.

Themes

animal welfare research methodology ethics

Mood

concerned critical

Type

ethical analytical

When to use this quote

  • conservation planning
  • zoological research
  • education
  • policy making

Key Concepts

behavioral ecology environmental psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ethically study animals without confinement?
  • What alternatives exist for observing natural behavior?
A Different Perspective

Captivity may still reveal some aspects, but not full natural behavior.

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