---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It's complicated. On the one hand we're…"
description: "\"It's complicated. On the one hand we're killer apes, and on the other hand we have this metaphysical longing.\" — Simon Critchley"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9f/simon-critchley-11984_apes_it-s-complicated-on-the-one-hand-we-re-k_1980345.jpg"
---

#  It's complicated. On the one hand we're killer apes, and…

![“It's complicated. On the one hand we're killer apes, and on the other hand we have this metaphysical longing.” quote by Simon Critchley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9f/simon-critchley-11984_apes_it-s-complicated-on-the-one-hand-we-re-k_1980345.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9f/simon-critchley-11984_apes_it-s-complicated-on-the-one-hand-we-re-k_1980345.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9f/simon-critchley-11984_apes_it-s-complicated-on-the-one-hand-we-re-k_1980345.jpg)

> “It's complicated. On the one hand we're killer apes, and on the other hand we have this metaphysical longing.”

[Simon Critchley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-critchley/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human beings are both biological apes and beings with deep existential yearning.

**In simple terms:** We are animal and spiritual.

Key Takeaway

Balance instinct with meaning.

Themes

existence duality longing

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical existential

When to use this quote

- self‑assessment
- creative pursuits
- spiritual practice

Key Concepts

metaphysics anthropology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you feel tension between your animal nature and your aspirations?
- What gives your life purpose beyond survival?

A Different Perspective

Biological drives can conflict with higher aspirations.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Apes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/apes/) [Complicated](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/complicated/) [Hands](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hands/) [Killer Apes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/killer-apes-3378558/) [Killers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/killers/) [Longing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/longing/) [Metaphysical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/metaphysical/) [Metaphysical Longing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/metaphysical-longing-3378557/)

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