Habits Quote by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
““One wonders who knows more about the coyote, the zoologist who is able to study its external habit and dissect its cadaver or the Indian medicine man who identifies himself with the “spirit” of the coyote?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Sacred and the Profane, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, 1979
The quote contrasts scientific observation with indigenous spiritual identification, suggesting deeper knowledge may come from lived, embodied experience rather than detached analysis.
In simple terms: Science vs. spirit: knowing a creature through study or through its essence.
Key Takeaway
Consider both external facts and internal meaning.
Themes
knowledge
culture
spirituality
science
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- wildlife research
- anthropology
- personal growth
- environmental education
Key Concepts
embodiment
ecology
indigenous wisdom
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your own cultural lens shape what you consider knowledge?
- Can you integrate scientific and spiritual perspectives?
A Different Perspective
Scientific data alone may miss the lived, relational aspects of a being.
![“Muhammad sets the model for being a good statesman. He also sets the model for being a good warrior, for chivalry, of nobility, of all the things which the Quran and Hadith [The recorded collections of the sayings and traditions of the Prophet] says of treating your enemy with dignity and kindness.” quote by Seyyed Hossein Nasr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dda/seyyed-hossein-nasr-6182_chivalry_muhammad-sets-the-model-for-being-a-good_240170.jpg)
