Animals Quote by Johanna Sinisalo
““I guess you can't compare humans to birds. Humans are rational beings. They're not just creatures without any sense of responsibility, ruled by drives and instincts, as our teachers at eloi school keep impressing upon us. Human beings are the pinnacle of creation, able to use rational, organized methods to place themselves outside nature, to control nature. But no sooner have they said that than they start evoking what is "natural," and to whom, and how such and such is the "natural order" of things.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Summer of the Great-Grandmother by Johanna Sinisalo, 1998
Humans claim rational superiority yet constantly invoke “natural” just to justify control over nature, revealing a paradox of rationality and instinct.
In simple terms: Humans say they are rational but still use “natural” arguments to control nature.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question the “natural” justifications we use.
Themes
rationality
human nature
control
paradox
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- environmental policy
- education
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
philosophy
anthropology
environmental ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What “natural” arguments do you accept without scrutiny?
- How does invoking nature affect our decisions?
A Different Perspective
Rational claims can mask underlying instinctual biases.
![“"Akrasia" [weakness of will] in rational beings is as common as wine in France.” quote by John Searle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/65d/john-searle-17370_common_akrasia-weakness-of-will-in-rational-bei_976532.jpg)
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![“Beyond [known peoples of black West Africa] to the south there is no civilization in the proper sense. There are only humans who are closer to dumb animals than to rational beings. They live in thickets and caves, and eat herbs and unprepared grain. They frequently eat each other. They cannot be…” quote by Ibn Khaldun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/52a/ibn-khaldun-24349_animal_beyond-known-peoples-of-black-west-afric_687710.jpg)
