Instinct Quote by Karl Groos
![“...play [is] an instinct developed by natural selection ... and ... on a level with the other instincts which are developed for their utility. It is very near, in its origin and function, to the instinct of imitation, but yet they are distinct … Its utility is, in the main, twofold: First, it…” quote by Karl Groos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2c5/karl-groos-64240_instinct_play-is-an-instinct-developed-by-natural_203566.jpg)
““...play [is] an instinct developed by natural selection ... and ... on a level with the other instincts which are developed for their utility. It is very near, in its origin and function, to the instinct of imitation, but yet they are distinct … Its utility is, in the main, twofold: First, it enables the young animal to exercise himself beforehand in the strenuous and necessary functions of its life and so to be ready for their onset; and, second, it enables the animal by a general instinct to do many things in a playful way, and so to learn for itself much that would otherwise have to be inherited in the form of special instincts; this puts a premium on intelligence, which thus comes to replace instinct…””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Play of Animals, Karl Groos, 1898
Play is an evolutionary instinct that prepares young animals for adult tasks and promotes learning beyond innate behaviors, favoring intelligence over fixed instincts.
In simple terms: Play prepares youth and encourages learning, boosting intelligence.
Key Takeaway
Use play to develop skills and foster intelligence.
Themes
development
learning
evolution
intelligence
Mood
curious
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- childhood training
- animal training
- education
- team building
- creative problem solving
Key Concepts
instinct
behavioral ecology
cognitive development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can play be integrated into adult learning?
- What limits does play have in skill acquisition?
A Different Perspective
Play may not replace formal instruction for complex skills.
