Skip to content

Animal Quote by John Locke

“To be rational is so glorious a thing, that two-legged creatures generally content themselves with the title.” quote by John Locke
Download Open image
“To be rational is so glorious a thing, that two-legged creatures generally content themselves with the title.”

John Locke

About This Quote

Source Philosophical Treatise: An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690

Rationality is praised, yet many creatures claim it without true understanding.

In simple terms: Rationality is often claimed, not practiced.

Key Takeaway

Question true rationality.

Themes

philosophy reason human nature

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • academic discourse
  • everyday decision making

Key Concepts

cognitive bias self‑deception intellectual humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines genuine rationality?
  • How to avoid rational pretensions?
A Different Perspective

May overlook emotional aspects of reasoning.

3.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by John Locke

Explore all 355 John Locke quotes

More Animal quotes

Browse all 7,647 Animal quotes