--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: if some octopus moved in next door, I…" description: "\"“if some octopus moved in next door, I would feel hostile superiority because I have a spine and it didn’t, but that animosity might melt into a sense ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57a/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_next-door_if-some-octopus-moved-in-next-door-i-wou_1026878.png" --- # if some octopus moved in next door, I would feel hostile… ![“if some octopus moved in next door, I would feel hostile superiority because I have a spine and it didn’t, but that animosity might melt into a sense of kinship when I discovered that the octopus, like me, loved playing Twister as a kid.” quote by Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57a/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_next-door_if-some-octopus-moved-in-next-door-i-wou_1026878.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57a/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_next-door_if-some-octopus-moved-in-next-door-i-wou_1026878.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57a/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_next-door_if-some-octopus-moved-in-next-door-i-wou_1026878.png) > ““if some octopus moved in next door, I would feel hostile superiority because I have a spine and it didn’t, but that animosity might melt into a sense of kinship when I discovered that the octopus, like me, loved playing Twister as a kid.”” [Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-m-sapolsky/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. We may feel superior to those different from us, but shared experiences can turn that into empathy and connection. **In simple terms:** Superiority can become kinship through common play. Key Takeaway Recognize shared humanity beyond physical differences. Themes empathy identity play humor Mood lighthearted reflective Type anecdotal humorous When to use this quote - team building - education - family gatherings - icebreaker activities Key Concepts evolutionary psychology social bonding Questions to Reflect On - What common activity could bridge your perceived differences? - How does humor affect empathy? A Different Perspective Superiority feelings can persist despite shared interests. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Octopus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/octopus/) ## Related quotes > [There's really not a difference between an octopus and, like, a giant pile of snot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-rowe/there-s-really-not-a-difference-between-an-octopus-and-like-a-giant/) [Mike Rowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-rowe/) > [Stop saying "right" to me. I'm starting to feel hostile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-schlessinger/stop-saying-right-to-me-i-m-starting-to-feel-hostile/) [Laura Schlessinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-schlessinger/) > [“You're like an octopus then? Your skin can like really actually change like--like an octopus, like a cuttle fish, like all those things I've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-saylor/you-re-like-an-octopus-then-your-skin-can-like-really-actually-change/) Rachel Saylor > [Teenagers crave independence. 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