Able Quote by J. M. Coetzee
“...the program of scientific experimentation that leads you to conclude that animals are imbeciles is profoundly anthropocentric. It values being able to find your way out of a sterile maze, ignoring the fact that if the researcher who designed the maze were to be parachuted into the jungles of Borneo, he or she would be dead of starvation in a week...If I as a human being were told that the standards by which animals are being measured in these experiments are human standards, I would be insulted.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee, 1999
The quote critiques using human‑centric criteria to judge animal intelligence, arguing that such standards are biased and ignore animals’ own ecological contexts.
In simple terms: Human standards misjudge animal abilities.
Key Takeaway
Recognize species‑specific abilities.
Themes
ethics
anthropocentrism
science
animal rights
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- laboratory research
- wildlife conservation
- animal welfare policy
- education curricula
Key Concepts
bias
ecology
comparative cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How would research change if we used animal‑centric metrics?
- What ethical responsibilities arise from anthropocentric bias?
A Different Perspective
Human standards may not capture animal cognition fully.
