Crocodiles Quote by Mary Kingsley
“One immense old lady has a family of lively young crocodiles running over her, evidently playing like a lot of kittens. The heavy musky smell they give off is most repulsive, but we do not rise up and make a row about this, because we feel hopelessly in the wrong in intruding into these family scenes uninvited.”
About This Quote
Source Travelogue: Through the Congo, Mary Kingsley, 1898
Observing wild crocodiles and their offspring highlights nature’s raw, unfiltered reality, yet humans often feel uneasy intruding on such scenes.
In simple terms: Wild crocodiles are powerful and unsettling, yet we hesitate to judge.
Key Takeaway
Respect wildlife boundaries while observing.
Themes
nature
wildlife
observation
human humility
environment
Mood
curious
respectful
analytical
Type
observation
nature writing
ethical reflection
When to use this quote
- safari photography
- wildlife conservation
- field research
Key Concepts
ecosystem dynamics
animal behavior
human‑animal interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you hold about “unpleasant” natural scenes?
- How can you observe without imposing moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
Human judgments can be biased by discomfort, limiting true understanding.
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