Animal Quote by Frans de Waal
“Being both more systematically brutal than chimps and more empathetic than bonobos, we are by far the most bipolar ape. Our societies are never completely peaceful, never completely competitive, never ruled by sheer selfishness, and never perfectly moral.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Empathy by Frans de Waal, 2009
Human nature balances aggression and empathy, making societies a mix of conflict and cooperation, never wholly one or the other.
In simple terms: Humans mix aggression and empathy, so societies are partly peaceful, partly competitive.
Recognize and manage both our competitive and cooperative instincts.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- politics
- workplace teamwork
- family relationships
- community building
- international relations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance self‑interest with concern for others?
- What structures promote harmony without suppressing competition?
Human behavior can swing to extremes, leading to instability if not moderated.