--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For a long time, humans have wondered…" description: "\"“For a long time, humans have wondered about the possibility of intelligent life on other planets while ignoring the intelligent life on this one. Orca..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e32/mark-leiren-young-69994_animals_for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-abo_1858598.jpg" --- # For a long time, humans have wondered about the… ![“For a long time, humans have wondered about the possibility of intelligent life on other planets while ignoring the intelligent life on this one. Orcas have a language and a culture that predates ours, so how do we justify imprisoning them or, more importantly, destroying their habitat?” quote by Mark Leiren-Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e32/mark-leiren-young-69994_animals_for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-abo_1858598.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e32/mark-leiren-young-69994_animals_for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-abo_1858598.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e32/mark-leiren-young-69994_animals_for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-abo_1858598.jpg) > ““For a long time, humans have wondered about the possibility of intelligent life on other planets while ignoring the intelligent life on this one. Orcas have a language and a culture that predates ours, so how do we justify imprisoning them or, more importantly, destroying their habitat?”” [Mark Leiren-Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-leiren-young/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Humans overlook Earth’s intelligent species while seeking extraterrestrials, leading to habitat destruction of beings like orcas. **In simple terms:** We ignore Earth’s intelligent life while chasing alien life, harming creatures like orcas. Key Takeaway Recognize and protect Earth’s intelligent species. Themes environmental ethics animal rights anthropocentrism conservation Mood concerned reflective Type activist philosophical When to use this quote - marine conservation - policy advocacy - education programs - wildlife tourism Key Concepts ecology inter-species communication cultural relativism Questions to Reflect On - What intelligent species on Earth deserve protection? - How does focusing on aliens affect our treatment of local wildlife? A Different Perspective Human curiosity about space can distract from urgent local ecological crises. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Animals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animals/) [Environment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/environment/) [Intelligent life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligent-life/) [Justify Imprisoning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justify-imprisoning-2487864/) [Killer whales](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/killer-whales/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life on other planets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-on-other-planets/) [Life Orcas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-orcas-2487862/) [Long time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-time/) [Orcas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/orcas/) [Orcas Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/orcas-language-2487863/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Whales](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/whales/) ## Related quotes > [Actually, orcas aren't quite as complex as scientists imagine. Most killer whales are just four tons of doofus dressed up like a police car.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-moore/actually-orcas-aren-t-quite-as-complex-as-scientists-imagine-most/) [Christopher Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-moore/) > [Our knowledge of animals and their behaviour has come a long way. We can no longer justify imprisoning them, robbing them of everything that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-widdecombe/our-knowledge-of-animals-and-their-behaviour-has-come-a-long-way-we/) [Ann Widdecombe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-widdecombe/) > [“Nearly one-quarter of all orcas captured for display during the late sixties and early seventies showed signs of bullet wounds. Royal Canadian fighter pilots…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-kirby/nearly-one-quarter-of-all-orcas-captured-for-display-during-the-late/) [David Kirby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-kirby/) > [What a lot of the public doesn't know, and I'm sure my fans aren't aware of, orcas have died living at Sea World, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noah-cyrus/what-a-lot-of-the-public-doesn-t-know-and-i-m-sure-my-fans-aren-t/) [Noah Cyrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noah-cyrus/) > [“Orcas can be spotted from the shores of Seattle, Tacoma, Port Angeles, Bellingham, and the popular San Juan Islands in Washington State; and Vancouver,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-kirby/orcas-can-be-spotted-from-the-shores-of-seattle-tacoma-port-angeles/) [David Kirby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-kirby/) > [I can only envision and feel the pain of these animals being stuck in a tiny aquarium. Normally, orcas swim 100 miles a day.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joanna-krupa/i-can-only-envision-and-feel-the-pain-of-these-animals-being-stuck-in/) [Joanna Krupa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joanna-krupa/) > [Orcas are my spirit animal. That's my favorite mammal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/millie-bobby-brown/orcas-are-my-spirit-animal-that-s-my-favorite-mammal/) [Millie Bobby Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/millie-bobby-brown/) > [I feel so guilty when I see orcas performing their stupid tricks in their little swimming pools, and when I see circuses or elephant…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-simon/i-feel-so-guilty-when-i-see-orcas-performing-their-stupid-tricks-in/) [Sam Simon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-simon/) > [“Is it wrong of me to propose a ceasefire agreement between humans and whales and dolphins, I know it is in actuality a one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-merrick/is-it-wrong-of-me-to-propose-a-ceasefire-agreement-between-humans-and/) [Steve Merrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-merrick/) > [“Transient orcas?” Beck leaned toward the monitor as images of whales flashed on screen. “Subspecies of killer whale,” said Ring. “Highly specialized. Extraordinarily lethal—if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kenneth-g-bennett/transient-orcas-beck-leaned-toward-the-monitor-as-images-of-whales/) [Kenneth G. Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kenneth-g-bennett/) > [“Killer whales were named as such because they sometimes preyed on large whales and sharks”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-anderson/killer-whales-were-named-as-such-because-they-sometimes-preyed-on/) [Adam Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-anderson/) > [All killer whales are named Kevin. You knew that, right?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-moore/all-killer-whales-are-named-kevin-you-knew-that-right/) [Christopher Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-moore/) > [Now that I finally have the time for it, this web surfing stuff turns out to be as interesting and fun and addictive as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/spider-robinson/now-that-i-finally-have-the-time-for-it-this-web-surfing-stuff-turns/) [Spider Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/spider-robinson/) > [Also, in the category of 'obvious but still shocking,' an animal called a 'killer whale' killed someone who was trying to play with it.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-maher/also-in-the-category-of-obvious-but-still-shocking-an-animal-called-a/) [Bill Maher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-maher/) > [“Scientists believe that sharks are one of the oldest species of animals still in existence. Nature built them as perfect predators. Perfect killing machines.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/k-a-applegate-2/scientists-believe-that-sharks-are-one-of-the-oldest-species-of/) [K.A. Applegate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/k-a-applegate-2/) ## More by Mark Leiren-Young > [Mountain Pine bark beetles need -37°C (-35°F) for three days to freeze to death. Unfortunately, with global warming, that no longer happens in British…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-leiren-young/mountain-pine-bark-beetles-need-37-c-35-f-for-three-days-to-freeze-to/) [Mark Leiren-Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-leiren-young/) > [Van Ritzen is one of the funniest humans I've ever met. Read her book, laugh, lather, rinse, repeat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-leiren-young/van-ritzen-is-one-of-the-funniest-humans-i-ve-ever-met-read-her-book/) [Mark Leiren-Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-leiren-young/) > [People have every right to be offended -- but that doesn't mean they get to take away your right to offend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-leiren-young/people-have-every-right-to-be-offended-but-that-doesn-t-mean-they-get/) [Mark Leiren-Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-leiren-young/) [Explore all 4 Mark Leiren-Young quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-leiren-young/) ## More Animals quotes > [I was 3-years-old - to this day it is a vivid memory. My family and I were on a boat, catching fish. As one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joaquin-phoenix/i-was-3-years-old-to-this-day-it-is-a-vivid-memory-my-family-and-i/) [Joaquin Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joaquin-phoenix/) > [Animals know nothing of themselves, and they also know nothing of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/animals-know-nothing-of-themselves-and-they-also-know-nothing-of-the/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [Humans are animals too, but some do not like to work from expectations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mak-786/humans-are-animals-too-but-some-do-not-like-to-work-from-expectations/) [Mak\_786](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mak-786/) > [Practically all animals which move fast in a homogeneous medium have found means of giving their body a streamlined shape, thereby reducing friction to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/konrad-lorenz/practically-all-animals-which-move-fast-in-a-homogeneous-medium-have/) [Konrad Lorenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/konrad-lorenz/) > [“What does it mean to be a self-conscious animal? The idea is ludicrous, if it is not monstrous. It means to know that one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-becker/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-self-conscious-animal-the-idea-is-ludicrous/) [Ernest Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-becker/) > [We must love animals in such a powerful way that we should reject to eat them!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/we-must-love-animals-in-such-a-powerful-way-that-we-should-reject-to/) [Mehmet Murat Ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [I bet plants go like 'Weeeeeeeee!' whenever they're swallowed by a giraffe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-bet-plants-go-like-weeeeeeeee-whenever-they-re-swallowed-by-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It’s a small thing to help one animal, but to that one animal it’s a big thing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-baur/it-s-a-small-thing-to-help-one-animal-but-to-that-one-animal-it-s-a/) [Gene Baur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-baur/) > [We animals are the most complicated things in the known universe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-dawkins/we-animals-are-the-most-complicated-things-in-the-known-universe/) [Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-dawkins/) > [“All these creatures spend their time explaining, realizing happily that they agree with each other.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-paul-sartre/all-these-creatures-spend-their-time-explaining-realizing-happily/) [Jean-Paul Sartre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-paul-sartre/) > [We're not very dangerous animals; we don't have a horn like a rhino or quills like a porcupine.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-fisher/we-re-not-very-dangerous-animals-we-don-t-have-a-horn-like-a-rhino-or/) [Helen Fisher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-fisher/) > [We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cesar-chavez/we-need-in-a-special-way-to-work-twice-as-hard-to-help-people/) [Cesar Chavez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cesar-chavez/) > [“Plenty of animals had pets, but few were more devoted than the mouse, who owned a baby corn snake—“A rescue snake, she’d be quick…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-sedaris/plenty-of-animals-had-pets-but-few-were-more-devoted-than-the-mouse/) [David Sedaris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-sedaris/) > [No creature can attain a higher grade of nature without ceasing to exist.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ananda-coomaraswamy/no-creature-can-attain-a-higher-grade-of-nature-without-ceasing-to/) [Ananda Coomaraswamy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ananda-coomaraswamy/) > [Most people are sensitized to animals through their cats and dogs, but for me it was a flounder. I used to go fishing with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-mathews/most-people-are-sensitized-to-animals-through-their-cats-and-dogs-but/) [Dan Mathews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-mathews/) [Browse all 6,813 Animals quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animals/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“For a long time, humans have wondered about the possibility of intelligent life on other planets while ignoring the intelligent life on this one. Orcas have a language and a culture that predates ours, so how do we justify imprisoning them or, more importantly, destroying their habitat?”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Mark Leiren-Young" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-leiren-young/for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-about-the-possibility-of/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Animals" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-leiren-young/for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-about-the-possibility-of/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e32/mark-leiren-young-69994_animals_for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-abo_1858598.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e32/mark-leiren-young-69994_animals_for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-abo_1858598.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e32/mark-leiren-young-69994_animals_for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-abo_1858598.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“For a long time, humans have wondered about the possibility of intelligent life on other planets while…” — Mark Leiren-Young", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Mark Leiren-Young", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-leiren-young/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“For a long time, humans have...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-leiren-young/for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-about-the-possibility-of/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-leiren-young/for-a-long-time-humans-have-wondered-about-the-possibility-of/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```