Animal Quote by Sy Montgomery
““I was warmly amused at the way each one tried to outdo the others in showing how her ape was the “most human”—trying to win the audience over to favor her animal. Orangutans, Biruté said, seemed the most human because of the whites of their eyes. Dian insisted that her gorillas were most humanlike because of their tight-knit family groupings. And Jane reminded us that chimps are the apes most closely related to man, sharing 99 percent of our genetic material. I was reminded of kids who insist “my dad can beat up your dad,” or of grandmothers comparing their grandchildren. None of the women would ever think of disparaging the others’ work, but each is firmly convinced that the animals she loves are the best. For they do love them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery, 2015
People often compare their favorites, highlighting traits they value, while overlooking others' merits.
In simple terms: People compare favorites, valuing traits, ignoring others.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias, appreciate diverse strengths.
Themes
comparison
bias
affection
subjectivity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
analytical
Type
observational
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- family debates
- pet ownership
- educational settings
- media reviews
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
social comparison
anthropomorphism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal bias shape our judgments?
- What can we learn from valuing multiple viewpoints?
A Different Perspective
Comparisons can foster division and reduce appreciation of other perspectives.
