Social norms Quote by John Cage
““While he rested, she asked, 'What's the difference between natives and outsiders?' 'Natives,' he replied, 'eat indoors and shit outdoors, outsiders eat outdoors and shit indoors.””
About This Quote
Source Play: "Theatre Piece", 1960
Outsiders and natives differ only in habits of privacy and exposure.
In simple terms: Differences are about where we live and relieve ourselves.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared humanity despite habits.
Themes
culture
privacy
social norms
identity
Mood
humorous
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- cross‑cultural exchange
- community events
Key Concepts
habitat
boundary
social construction
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this say about cultural othering?
- How do habits shape our perception of others?
A Different Perspective
Humor may obscure deeper social critique.
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![“[Y]ou are not ashamed of your sin [in committing adultery] because so many men commit it. Man's wickedness is now such that men are more ashamed of chastity than of lechery. Murderers, thieves, perjurers, false witnesses, plunderers and fraudsters are detested and hated by people generally, but…” quote by Augustine of Hippo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d8c/augustine-of-hippo-2589_adultery_y-ou-are-not-ashamed-of-your-sin-in-comm_380143.jpg)