Animal Quote by Miguel de Unamuno
“Man is said to be a reasoning animal. I do not know why he has not been defined as an affective or feeling animal. Perhaps that which differentiates him from other animals is feeling rather than reason. More often I have seen a cat reason than laugh or weep. Perhaps it weeps or laughs inwardly — but then perhaps, also inwardly, the crab resolves equations of the second degree.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Tragic Sense of Life”, 1912
He questions whether humans are defined by reason or feeling, suggesting feeling may be more fundamental.
In simple terms: He wonders if feeling, not reason, defines humans.
Key Takeaway
Value emotions alongside logic.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
emotion
Mood
contemplative
philosophical
Type
literary
existential
When to use this quote
- personal introspection
- psychology studies
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
existentialism
reason vs feeling
animal cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize feeling or reason?
- Can both coexist harmoniously?
A Different Perspective
Emotion alone may not guide actions.
