Animal Quote by Will Cuppy
“If an animal does something, we call it instinct; if we do the same thing for the same reason, we call it intelligence.”
About This Quote
Source Book: How to Live on 24 Hours a Day, 1940
Instinct is animal behavior; similar human actions driven by reason are called intelligence.
In simple terms: Animal instinct vs human reason.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of reasoning in actions.
Themes
intelligence
instinct
reason
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- problem solving
- learning new skills
- ethical decisions
- creative endeavors
Key Concepts
cognitive science
philosophy
behavioral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions do you label intelligent?
- Can instinct ever be rational?
A Different Perspective
Human reasoning can be biased or limited.
![“[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)
