--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What makes us human is that we're the…" description: "\"“What makes us human is that we're the only creatures on this planet that can fuck ourselves”\" — Viet Thanh Nguyen" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/883/viet-thanh-nguyen-5296_fuck_what-makes-us-human-is-that-we-re-the-on_3126522.jpg" --- # What makes us human is that we're the only creatures on… ![“What makes us human is that we're the only creatures on this planet that can fuck ourselves” quote by Viet Thanh Nguyen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/883/viet-thanh-nguyen-5296_fuck_what-makes-us-human-is-that-we-re-the-on_3126522.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/883/viet-thanh-nguyen-5296_fuck_what-makes-us-human-is-that-we-re-the-on_3126522.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/883/viet-thanh-nguyen-5296_fuck_what-makes-us-human-is-that-we-re-the-on_3126522.jpg) > ““What makes us human is that we're the only creatures on this planet that can fuck ourselves”” [Viet Thanh Nguyen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/viet-thanh-nguyen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human uniqueness lies in our capacity for self‑destructive behavior and paradoxical self‑awareness. **In simple terms:** We can harm ourselves in ways no other species does. Key Takeaway Recognize and channel self‑destructive impulses constructively. Themes human nature self‑destruction paradox awareness Mood cynical reflective Type philosophical humorous When to use this quote - personal relationships - creative work - political activism - mental health coping Key Concepts existentialism psychology self‑sabotage Questions to Reflect On - How do you express self‑destructive urges? - What role does humor play in confronting them? A Different Perspective Self‑destruction can also stem from societal pressures, not just individual choice. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Human](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human/) ## Related quotes > [Cats - a standing rebuke to behavioural scientists . . . least human of all creatures.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/cats-a-standing-rebuke-to-behavioural-scientists-least-human-of-all/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [O men with sisters dear, O men with mothers and wives, It is not linen you 're wearing out, But human creatures' lives!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/o-men-with-sisters-dear-o-men-with-mothers-and-wives-it-is-not-linen/) [Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/) > [Nature is not silent, and never was a name more derisively inappropriate than when we speak of these non-human creatures who hoot and crow…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winifred-holtby/nature-is-not-silent-and-never-was-a-name-more-derisively/) [Winifred Holtby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winifred-holtby/) > [“So, wonder! 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