--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We're fickle, stupid beings with poor…" description: "\"“We're fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self destruction.”\" — Suzanne Collins" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/suzanne-collins-60_humanity-and-society_we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-mem_76925.jpg" --- # We're fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great… ![“We're fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self destruction.” quote by Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/suzanne-collins-60_humanity-and-society_we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-mem_76925.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/suzanne-collins-60_humanity-and-society_we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-mem_76925.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/suzanne-collins-60_humanity-and-society_we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-mem_76925.jpg) > ““We're fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self destruction.”” [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Humans are inherently inconsistent, forgetful, and prone to self-sabotage despite their capacity for resilience. **In simple terms:** Human frailty and self‑destruction Key Takeaway Beware of our own destructive impulses Themes human nature cognitive bias self‑sabotage memory psychology resilience Mood cautious reflective somber Type aphor observation philosophical When to use this quote - personal decision‑making - organizational change - conflict resolution - risk assessment - leadership Key Concepts self‑destruction memory limits behavioral inconsistency Practical Applications - psychological counseling - behavioral interventions Questions to Reflect On - How can we harness our self‑destructive instincts for positive change? - What habits can improve our collective memory? A Different Perspective Some argue that humans also possess profound altruism and capacity for growth, balancing destructive tendencies. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Humanity and society](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humanity-and-society/) [Self destruction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-destruction/) ## Related quotes > [“To the poor memories of drunks,' she said. 'To all the lovely nights forever lost.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-fitts/to-the-poor-memories-of-drunks-she-said-to-all-the-lovely-nights/) S. Fitts > [I am concerned that there's a cavalier attitude to the Irish Peace Process. What poor memories some have; I remember only too well the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dervla-kirwan/i-am-concerned-that-there-s-a-cavalier-attitude-to-the-irish-peace/) [Dervla Kirwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dervla-kirwan/) > [Human beings seem to be a poor invention. 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We're fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self-destruction.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/but-collective-thinking-is-usually-short-lived-we-re-fickle-stupid/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“When we as humanity partner together we can achieve sustainable change.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/when-we-as-humanity-partner-together-we-can-achieve-sustainable-change/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [“The Internet is the Petri dish of humanity. 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Wiemer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liza-m-wiemer/) > [“The huge modern heresy is to alter the human soul to fit modern social conditions, instead of altering modern social conditions to fit the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-k-chesterton/the-huge-modern-heresy-is-to-alter-the-human-soul-to-fit-modern/) [G.K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-k-chesterton/) > [We are all bound up together in one great bundle of humanity, and society cannot trample on the weakest and feeblest of its members…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frances-harper/we-are-all-bound-up-together-in-one-great-bundle-of-humanity-and/) [Frances Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frances-harper/) > [“Nothing disrupts dehumanization more quickly than inviting someone over, looking into their eyes, hearing their voice, and listening.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-schulman/nothing-disrupts-dehumanization-more-quickly-than-inviting-someone/) [Sarah Schulman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-schulman/) ## More by Suzanne Collins > [It's amazing to see things that are suggested in the book fully developed and so brilliantly realized through the artistry of the designers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/it-s-amazing-to-see-things-that-are-suggested-in-the-book-fully/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [KEEP CALM and HAVE A SUGAR CUBE](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/keep-calm-and-have-a-sugar-cube/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [A furious Peeta hammers Haymitch with the atrocity he could become party to, but I can feel Haymitch watching me. This is the moment,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/a-furious-peeta-hammers-haymitch-with-the-atrocity-he-could-become/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“The same goes for the other captured tributes, Johanna and Enobaria.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/the-same-goes-for-the-other-captured-tributes-johanna-and-enobaria/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [I don't know how to say it exactly. Only...I want to die as myself. Does that make any sense?' he asks. I shake my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-don-t-know-how-to-say-it-exactly-only-i-want-to-die-as-myself-does/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [He never lets go of Annie's hand. Not when they walk, not when they eat. I doubt he ever plans to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/he-never-lets-go-of-annie-s-hand-not-when-they-walk-not-when-they-eat/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“I want to interrupt the taping and beg Finnick’s forgiveness for every false thought I’ve ever had about him.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-want-to-interrupt-the-taping-and-beg-finnick-s-forgiveness-for/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [I pound on the glass, screaming my head off. Everyone ignores me except for some Capitol attendant who appears behind me and offers me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-pound-on-the-glass-screaming-my-head-off-everyone-ignores-me-except/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [Because it doesn't matter anymore, and because I'm so desperately lonely I can't stand it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/because-it-doesn-t-matter-anymore-and-because-i-m-so-desperately/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [Then I dive into my tent before I do something stupid like cry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/then-i-dive-into-my-tent-before-i-do-something-stupid-like-cry/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“¡Es que no quiero que me conozcan! ¡Ya me están quitando el futuro! ¡No pueden llevarse también lo que me importaba en el pasado!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/es-que-no-quiero-que-me-conozcan-ya-me-est-n-quitando-el-futuro-no/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“I act delighted, but I have zero interest in these Capitol people. They are only distractions from the food.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-act-delighted-but-i-have-zero-interest-in-these-capitol-people-they/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [Mostly we just add to the piles of rainbow glass that's been blown off the exteriors of the cany-colored buildings.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/mostly-we-just-add-to-the-piles-of-rainbow-glass-that-s-been-blown/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [You're punishing him over and over for things that are out of his control. Now, I'm not saying you shouldn't have a fully loaded…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/you-re-punishing-him-over-and-over-for-things-that-are-out-of-his/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) > [“But the significant difference between Thirteen and the Capitol are the expectations of the populace. Thirteen was used to hardship, wheras in the Capitol,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/but-the-significant-difference-between-thirteen-and-the-capitol-are/) [Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) [Explore all 1,709 Suzanne Collins quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/) ## More Humanity and society quotes > [“Nothing disrupts dehumanization more quickly than inviting someone over, looking into their eyes, hearing their voice, and listening.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-schulman/nothing-disrupts-dehumanization-more-quickly-than-inviting-someone/) [Sarah Schulman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-schulman/) > [We are all bound up together in one great bundle of humanity, and society cannot trample on the weakest and feeblest of its members…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frances-harper/we-are-all-bound-up-together-in-one-great-bundle-of-humanity-and/) [Frances Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frances-harper/) > [“The huge modern heresy is to alter the human soul to fit modern social conditions, instead of altering modern social conditions to fit the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-k-chesterton/the-huge-modern-heresy-is-to-alter-the-human-soul-to-fit-modern/) [G.K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-k-chesterton/) > [“I long for the day when people embrace our common humanity and respect diversity.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liza-m-wiemer/i-long-for-the-day-when-people-embrace-our-common-humanity-and/) [Liza M. Wiemer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liza-m-wiemer/) > [“Your life's work determines your legacy and the impact that you have on the world.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/your-life-s-work-determines-your-legacy-and-the-impact-that-you-have/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [“Focus on your work. Do what you're great at. Don't compare yourself to others and or waste time criticizing the lives and work of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/focus-on-your-work-do-what-you-re-great-at-don-t-compare-yourself-to/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [“Let your light shine as an inspiration to humanity and BE THE REASON someone believes in the goodness of people.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/let-your-light-shine-as-an-inspiration-to-humanity-and-be-the-reason/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [“The Internet is the Petri dish of humanity. We can't control what grows in it, but we don't have to watch either.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tiffany-madison/the-internet-is-the-petri-dish-of-humanity-we-can-t-control-what/) [Tiffany Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tiffany-madison/) > [“When we as humanity partner together we can achieve sustainable change.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/when-we-as-humanity-partner-together-we-can-achieve-sustainable-change/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [“There is only one label worth fighting for, nay, not fighting for, that is “human”.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/there-is-only-one-label-worth-fighting-for-nay-not-fighting-for-that/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [“To experience courage, is to experience life. Reflected in loved ones, the greatest encouragement. Dignity, integrity and strength, a harmonious chord, interwoven into an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-althouse/to-experience-courage-is-to-experience-life-reflected-in-loved-ones/) [Tom Althouse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-althouse/) > [“Together you are a species that grows in all aspects of life – separated you are a mere speck of dust in vast ocean…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/together-you-are-a-species-that-grows-in-all-aspects-of-life/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [“Every human greeting is an act of peace.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/every-human-greeting-is-an-act-of-peace/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [“History shapes the lives of all men, women and children ... sometimes unraveling humanity into an undesired mess.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lynda-i-fisher/history-shapes-the-lives-of-all-men-women-and-children-sometimes/) [Lynda I Fisher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lynda-i-fisher/) > [“I’ve never been motivated by money – it doesn’t drive Me.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/i-ve-never-been-motivated-by-money-it-doesn-t-drive-me/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) [Browse all 195 Humanity and society quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humanity-and-society/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“We're fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self destruction.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Suzanne Collins" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-memories-and-a-great-gift-for/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Humanity and society" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-memories-and-a-great-gift-for/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/suzanne-collins-60_humanity-and-society_we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-mem_76925.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/suzanne-collins-60_humanity-and-society_we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-mem_76925.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/657/suzanne-collins-60_humanity-and-society_we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-mem_76925.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“We're fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self destruction.” — Suzanne Collins", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Suzanne Collins", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“We're fickle, stupid beings with poor...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-memories-and-a-great-gift-for/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/we-re-fickle-stupid-beings-with-poor-memories-and-a-great-gift-for/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```