Cat Quote by Will Cuppy
“If a cat does something, we call it instinct; if we do the same thing, for the same reason, we call it intelligence.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Complete Book of Literary Humor, 1980
Instinct is natural behavior; intelligence is purposeful, reasoned action.
In simple terms: Instinct vs intelligence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value reasoned effort.
Themes
nature
reason
human behavior
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- daily decisions
- workplace problem solving
- learning new skills
- creative projects
Key Concepts
cognition
behavioral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate instinct from thoughtful action?
- When might instinct be preferable to analysis?
A Different Perspective
Instinct can be misinterpreted as intelligence without analysis.
![“[Footnote:] Pliny the Elder described a Whale called "Balaena or Whirlpool, which is so long and broad as to take up more in length and breadth than two acres of ground." This brings up again the old question: Are the classics doomed? Our ancestors believed that four years of this sort of…” quote by Will Cuppy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1c1/will-cuppy-7569_acres_footnote-pliny-the-elder-described-a-wha_84284.jpg)
![“[Footnote:] The female of any species is generally regarded as a relatively anabolic organism, more passive than the male, who is relatively katabolic and active. The fact remains that one frequently runs across a rather katabolic female.” quote by Will Cuppy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b43/will-cuppy-7569_active_footnote-the-female-of-any-species-is-ge_381362.jpg)
