--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Once you have become permanently…" description: "\"Once you have become permanently startled, as I am, by the realization that we are a social species, you tend to keep an eye out for the pieces of evid..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12a/lewis-thomas-2299_am_once-you-have-become-permanently-startle_1572485.png" --- # Once you have become permanently startled, as I am, by the… ![“Once you have become permanently startled, as I am, by the realization that we are a social species, you tend to keep an eye out for the pieces of evidence that this is, by and large, good for us.” quote by Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12a/lewis-thomas-2299_am_once-you-have-become-permanently-startle_1572485.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12a/lewis-thomas-2299_am_once-you-have-become-permanently-startle_1572485.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/12a/lewis-thomas-2299_am_once-you-have-become-permanently-startle_1572485.png) > “Once you have become permanently startled, as I am, by the realization that we are a social species, you tend to keep an eye out for the pieces of evidence that this is, by and large, good for us.” [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Recognizing our social nature leads us to seek evidence that social connections benefit us overall. **In simple terms:** We are social and it’s usually good for us. Key Takeaway Value and nurture social ties. Themes social behavior human nature well‑being Mood reflective optimistic Type observational inspirational When to use this quote - teamwork - friendships - community building - mental health - networking Key Concepts evolutionary biology psychology sociology Questions to Reflect On - How do you assess the quality of your social connections? - What social habits improve your health? A Different Perspective Social benefits can be uneven; not all interactions are positive. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Realization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/realization/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) ## Related quotes > [What a wonderfully exciting cough,' said the little man, quite startled by it, 'do you mind if I join you?' And with that he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-adams/what-a-wonderfully-exciting-cough-said-the-little-man-quite-startled/) [Douglas Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-adams/) > [“In one swift motion she’s out of his arms twirling about. Startled and then ecstatic, she feels lighter than air, laughing in spite of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/solange-nicole/in-one-swift-motion-she-s-out-of-his-arms-twirling-about-startled-and/) [Solange nicole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/solange-nicole/) > [“She slammed down the phone. 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