Animal Quote by James Thurber
“It did not take Man long-probably not more than a hundred centuries-to discover that all the animals except the dog were impossible around the house. One has but to spend a few days with an aardvark or llama, command a water buffalo to sit up and beg or try to housebreak a moose, to perceive how wisely Man set about his process of elimination and selection.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Animal Kingdom,” 1938
Observes that humans have domesticated many animals, but the dog remains uniquely suited to living with people.
In simple terms: Dogs are the only animals truly adapted to homes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the special bond with dogs.
Themes
animal domestication
human-animal relationships
humor
Mood
playful
observational
Type
humor
essay
When to use this quote
- pet ownership
- urban living
- animal training
- conservation efforts
Key Concepts
evolutionary adaptation
selection bias
Questions to Reflect On
- Why are dogs uniquely compatible with humans?
- What does this say about human preferences?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks cultural variations in animal companionship.
![“Salvador [Dali] was brought up in Spain, a country colored by the legends of Hannibal, El Greco, and Cervantes. I was brought up in Ohio, a region steeped in the tradition of Coxey's Army, the Anti-Saloon League, and William Howard Taft.” quote by James Thurber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f6b/james-thurber-1534_army_salvador-dali-was-brought-up-in-spain-a_39625.jpg)
