Animal Quote by Kathleen Jamie
““There was a time—until very recently in the scheme of things—when there were no wild animals, because every animal was wild; and humans were few. Animals, and animal presence over us and around us. Over every horizon, animals. Their skins clothing our skins, their fats in our lamps, their bladders to carry water, meat when we could get it.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Wild” by Kathleen Jamie, 2015
Humans once lived among abundant wild animals, using their bodies for clothing, fuel, and tools, reflecting a deep interdependence with nature.
In simple terms: People once relied on animals for many needs.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect our historic reliance on wildlife.
Themes
nature
interdependence
resourcefulness
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
historical
observational
When to use this quote
- sustainable living
- conservation education
- historical anthropology
Key Concepts
ecology
human-animal relationships
Questions to Reflect On
- How would our values change if we reclaimed some of these practices?
- What lessons can we learn about sustainability from this past?
A Different Perspective
Modern societies have largely lost this direct connection, limiting understanding of ecological balance.
