Animal Quote by Mark Twain
“He said that man’s heart was the only bad heart in the animal kingdom; that man was the only animal capable of feeling malice, envy, vindictiveness, revengefulness, hatred, selfishness, the only animal that loves drunkenness, almost the only animal that could endure personal uncleanliness and a filthy habitation, the sole animal in whom was fully developed the base instinct called patriotism, the sole animal that robs, persecutes, oppresses and kills members of his own tribe, the sole animal that steals and enslaves the members of any tribe.”
About This Quote
Human nature is uniquely capable of both noble and vile instincts, including patriotism and oppression.
In simple terms: Humans have complex, contradictory instincts.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage our darker impulses.
Themes
human nature
morality
contradiction
Mood
analytical
somber
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- ethical debates
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives our capacity for both good and evil?
- How can societies curb harmful instincts?
A Different Perspective
Not all humans act on these instincts.
