--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Whereas an elephant that was scared to…" description: "\"Whereas an elephant that was scared to death that diesel powered equipment, equipment that ran on a gas engine, was just fine. Because somebody had att..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/005/temple-grandin-1219_construction_whereas-an-elephant-that-was-scared-to-d_2927636.png" --- # Whereas an elephant that was scared to death that diesel… ![“Whereas an elephant that was scared to death that diesel powered equipment, equipment that ran on a gas engine, was just fine. Because somebody had attacked it with construction equipment. But if it had a diesel engine, it was bad.” quote by Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/005/temple-grandin-1219_construction_whereas-an-elephant-that-was-scared-to-d_2927636.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/005/temple-grandin-1219_construction_whereas-an-elephant-that-was-scared-to-d_2927636.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/005/temple-grandin-1219_construction_whereas-an-elephant-that-was-scared-to-d_2927636.png) > “Whereas an elephant that was scared to death that diesel powered equipment, equipment that ran on a gas engine, was just fine. Because somebody had attacked it with construction equipment. But if it had a diesel engine, it was bad.” [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Animals react differently to equipment based on perceived threat and prior experience. **In simple terms:** Elephants fear diesel equipment but not gas. Key Takeaway Consider context when designing tools for animals. Themes animal behavior design perception Mood thoughtful analytical Type observational practical When to use this quote - zoo management - farm equipment - construction safety Key Concepts psychology risk assessment Questions to Reflect On - How does prior trauma influence animal responses? - Can design mitigate fear? A Different Perspective Assumes all elephants respond similarly; individual variation exists. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Construction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/construction/) [Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) [Elephants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elephants/) ## Related quotes > [Usually, a Range Rover would be beaten away from the lights by a diesel powered wheelbarrow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-clarkson/usually-a-range-rover-would-be-beaten-away-from-the-lights-by-a/) [Jeremy Clarkson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremy-clarkson/) > [The diesel engine industry has illegally poured millions of tons of pollution into the air, .. It's time for the industry to clean up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janet-reno/the-diesel-engine-industry-has-illegally-poured-millions-of-tons-of/) [Janet Reno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janet-reno/) > [I'm a bit like a diesel engine, you know.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-wilfried-tsonga/i-m-a-bit-like-a-diesel-engine-you-know/) [Jo-Wilfried Tsonga](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-wilfried-tsonga/) > [Most people are really stunned to find out that the technology has been around for more than 100 years, and that the diesel engine…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daryl-hannah/most-people-are-really-stunned-to-find-out-that-the-technology-has/) [Daryl Hannah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daryl-hannah/) > [Commercial fishing is always so behind the curve of technology that they were building ships with wooden hulls and masts in the 1940s, though…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-kurlansky/commercial-fishing-is-always-so-behind-the-curve-of-technology-that/) [Mark Kurlansky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-kurlansky/) > [High gas prices are eating away at consumer's disposal income and could lead to a further economic downturn, especially for those whose livelihood depend…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/major-owens/high-gas-prices-are-eating-away-at-consumer-s-disposal-income-and/) [Major Owens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/major-owens/) > [Jesus is a powerful guy in Hollywood. Not quite as powerful as Vin Diesel, but powerful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christian-finnegan/jesus-is-a-powerful-guy-in-hollywood-not-quite-as-powerful-as-vin/) [Christian Finnegan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christian-finnegan/) > [I've learned never to count Vin Diesel out. Just don't do that. And I guess it's because he is a very smart guy. Smarter…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-twohy/i-ve-learned-never-to-count-vin-diesel-out-just-don-t-do-that-and-i/) [David Twohy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-twohy/) > [Vin Diesel is the best kisser in the world, better than anyone else I've ever had. The most attractive thing about Vin is his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/asia-argento/vin-diesel-is-the-best-kisser-in-the-world-better-than-anyone-else-i/) [Asia Argento](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/asia-argento/) > [We’re making new investments in the development of gasoline and diesel and jet fuel that’s actually made from a plant-like substance-algae... We could replace…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/we-re-making-new-investments-in-the-development-of-gasoline-and/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [I think there are too many bosses in Washington telling Nashville Diesel College and Harvard University how to run - how to run their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lamar-alexander/i-think-there-are-too-many-bosses-in-washington-telling-nashville/) [Lamar Alexander](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lamar-alexander/) > [I don't think there is any place in football for drinking. I have said on several occasions to players: You don't put diesel in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-redknapp/i-don-t-think-there-is-any-place-in-football-for-drinking-i-have-said/) [Harry Redknapp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-redknapp/) > [I am kind of like a diesel. It is the cyclist in me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clara-hughes/i-am-kind-of-like-a-diesel-it-is-the-cyclist-in-me/) [Clara Hughes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clara-hughes/) > [Women in bed are like Diesel engines. What I mean by that is, it may take them a while to get going, but when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeff-foxworthy/women-in-bed-are-like-diesel-engines-what-i-mean-by-that-is-it-may/) [Jeff Foxworthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-foxworthy/) > [“Diesel" - his name sounded sweet coming out of her mouth --"I want you, and I mean I really, really want you. Please. Let's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amanda-carlson/diesel-his-name-sounded-sweet-coming-out-of-her-mouth-i-want-you-and/) [Amanda Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amanda-carlson/) ## More by Temple Grandin > [My problems are sort of more on a nuisance level. I can't stand scratchy clothes, I've got to have soft kinds of cotton against…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/my-problems-are-sort-of-more-on-a-nuisance-level-i-can-t-stand/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [Language just gradually came in, one or two stressed words a time. Before then, I would just scream. I couldn't talk. I couldn't get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/language-just-gradually-came-in-one-or-two-stressed-words-a-time/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [Autism is a big continuum, going from someone who remains nonverbal, all the way up to geniuses on Silicon Valley. And some kids are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/autism-is-a-big-continuum-going-from-someone-who-remains-nonverbal/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [Some people with autism who don't talk, all they hear are vowel sounds. Like if I said 'cup,' they might just hear 'uh.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/some-people-with-autism-who-don-t-talk-all-they-hear-are-vowel-sounds/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [Mild autism can give you a genius like Einstein. If you have severe autism, you could remain nonverbal. You don't want people to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/mild-autism-can-give-you-a-genius-like-einstein-if-you-have-severe/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [Animals do have emotion. But fear tends to be one of the most primal emotions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/animals-do-have-emotion-but-fear-tends-to-be-one-of-the-most-primal/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [I think that the definition of autism is too broad. You got to remember, autism definition is a behavioral profiling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/i-think-that-the-definition-of-autism-is-too-broad-you-got-to/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [People can live up to high standards, but they can't live up to perfection.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/people-can-live-up-to-high-standards-but-they-can-t-live-up-to/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [There is a small segment of people with autism that have savant skills, where they can memorize entire maps of whole entire city. They…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/there-is-a-small-segment-of-people-with-autism-that-have-savant/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [“There's a point where anecdotal evidence becomes truth”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/there-s-a-point-where-anecdotal-evidence-becomes-truth/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [here's certain things that are similar to cats and dogs. Dogs are just hyper social and they have a want to please you way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/here-s-certain-things-that-are-similar-to-cats-and-dogs-dogs-are-just/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [People talk about curing autism. But if you got rid of all those traits, who's going to make the next computer?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/people-talk-about-curing-autism-but-if-you-got-rid-of-all-those/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [It is important that our relationship with farm animals is reciprocal. We owe animals a decent life and a painless death. I have observed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/it-is-important-that-our-relationship-with-farm-animals-is-reciprocal/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [In a dog social cue from a master can override where he saw the being placed. That won’t happen unless we have bred a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/in-a-dog-social-cue-from-a-master-can-override-where-he-saw-the-being/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [Well the dog that is the most is the a Labrador retrievers because they tolerate kids tugging on them and things better than other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/well-the-dog-that-is-the-most-is-the-a-labrador-retrievers-because/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) [Explore all 271 Temple Grandin quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) ## More Construction quotes > [The religion of art, like the religion of politics, was born from the ruins of Christianity. Art inherited from the old religion the power…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/octavio-paz/the-religion-of-art-like-the-religion-of-politics-was-born-from-the/) [Octavio Paz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/octavio-paz/) > [To follow good manners willingly is like paving the road and to tell somebody to follow them is like the road which is always…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-parsai/to-follow-good-manners-willingly-is-like-paving-the-road-and-to-tell/) [Vikrant Parsai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-parsai/) > [Cold calculation, random spots of color, mathematically exact construction (clearly shown or concealed), drawing that is now silent and now strident . . .…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/giacomo-puccini/cold-calculation-random-spots-of-color-mathematically-exact/) [Giacomo Puccini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/giacomo-puccini/) > [“But the secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components. Every words that serves no function, every long word…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-zinsser/but-the-secret-of-good-writing-is-to-strip-every-sentence-to-its/) [William Zinsser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-zinsser/) > [Sometimes I think the resurrection of the body, unless much improved in construction, a mistake!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evelyn-underhill/sometimes-i-think-the-resurrection-of-the-body-unless-much-improved/) [Evelyn Underhill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evelyn-underhill/) > [“Create with the heart; build with the mind.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/criss-jami/create-with-the-heart-build-with-the-mind/) [Criss Jami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/criss-jami/) > [ I'm telling you, I could teach at a university, \[George\] Carlin, a whole semester. The construction and deconstruction of the words, the language, the… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-mohr/i-m-telling-you-i-could-teach-at-a-university-george-carlin-a-whole/) [Jay Mohr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-mohr/) > [Seoul will strictly limit the total greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and expand the construction of zero-energy buildings.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/park-won-soon/seoul-will-strictly-limit-the-total-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from/) [Park Won-soon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/park-won-soon/) > [It's no accident that most self-help groups use 'anonymous' in their names; to Americans, the first step toward redemption is a ritual wiping out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-kirn/it-s-no-accident-that-most-self-help-groups-use-anonymous-in-their/) [Walter Kirn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-kirn/) > [“Over 275,000 people had signed to end the construction of the TMT telescope at the Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) by week 20 of the protest.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-magee/over-275-000-people-had-signed-to-end-the-construction-of-the-tmt/) [Steven Magee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-magee/) > [Philosophical knowledge is the knowledge gained by reason from concepts ; mathematical knowledge is the knowledge gained by reason from the construction of concepts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/immanuel-kant/philosophical-knowledge-is-the-knowledge-gained-by-reason-from/) [Immanuel Kant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/immanuel-kant/) > [Any subject is suitable provided it is of sufficient interest, but the design must be very carefully considered, and plenty of time and thought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-j-phillips/any-subject-is-suitable-provided-it-is-of-sufficient-interest-but-the/) [Walter J. Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-j-phillips/) > [No construction stiff working overtime takes more stress and straining than we did just to stay high.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gus-van-sant/no-construction-stiff-working-overtime-takes-more-stress-and/) [Gus Van Sant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gus-van-sant/) > [Cities need old buildings so badly it is probably impossible for vigorous streets and districts to grow without them… for really new ideas of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-jacobs/cities-need-old-buildings-so-badly-it-is-probably-impossible-for/) [Jane Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-jacobs/) > [My construction of the constitution is very different from that you quote. It is that each department is truly independent of the others, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/my-construction-of-the-constitution-is-very-different-from-that-you/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) [Browse all 942 Construction quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/construction/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Whereas an elephant that was scared to death that diesel powered equipment, equipment that ran on a gas engine, was just fine. Because somebody had attacked it with construction equipment. 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