Extinct Quote by Ogden Nash
““A Caution to Everybody consider the Auk. Becoming extinct before because he forgot out to fly and could only walk. Consider Man, who may well become extinct, Because he forgot how to walk and learned to fly before he thinked.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “A Caution to Everybody” published in The New Yorker, 1935
He warns that forgetting essential abilities can lead to extinction, using the Auk and humanity as metaphors.
In simple terms: Forgetting basics can doom us.
Key Takeaway
Remember core skills.
Themes
human nature
survival
knowledge loss
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- educational workshops
- team-building exercises
- preserving traditions
Key Concepts
evolutionary risk
cultural amnesia
Questions to Reflect On
- Which fundamental skill do you risk losing?
- How can societies safeguard essential knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks the role of adaptation alongside memory.
![“In ten years [i.e., 1980] all important animal life in the sea will be extinct. Large areas of coastline will have to be evacuated because of the stench of dead fish.” quote by Paul R. Ehrlich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/552/paul-r-ehrlich-13046_animal_in-ten-years-i-e-1980-all-important-anim_180543.jpg)
