Animal Quote by Frans de Waal
“We, who think like animals living in small groups, must structure a global world. We believe in universal human rights and believe racism and war are wrong. On the other hand, it is our nature to be cooperative and loving almost exclusively with the members of the group to which we feel we belong.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Empathy by Frans de Waal, 2009
Humans naturally favor their own groups, yet must build inclusive global structures that uphold universal rights and reject racism and war.
In simple terms: We love our own groups but need worldwide cooperation.
Key Takeaway
Balance group loyalty with global responsibility.
Themes
human nature
rights
cooperation
conflict
globalism
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- political policy
- international NGOs
- education programs
- community building
Key Concepts
in-group bias
universalism
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies nurture global empathy while respecting local identities?
- What structures best reconcile group loyalty with universal rights?
A Different Perspective
Group loyalty can hinder impartial policy making.
![“[T]here are some human rights that are so deep that we can't negotiate them away. I mean people do heinous, terrible things. But there are basic human rights I believe that every human being has. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the United Nations says it for me. And it says there are…” quote by Sister Helen Prejean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c4/sister-helen-prejean-94083_an-eye-for-an-eye_t-here-are-some-human-rights-that-are-so_222080.jpg)
