Accurate Quote by William S. Burroughs
“Evidence indicates that cats were first tamed in Egypt. The Egyptians stored grain, which attracted rodents, which attracted cats. (No evidence that such a thing happened with the Mayans, though a number of wild cats are native to the area.) I don't think this is accurate. It is certainly not the whole story. Cats didn't start as mousers. Weasels and snakes and dogs are more efficient as rodent-control agents. I postulate that cats started as psychic companions, as Familiars, and have never deviated from this function.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wild Years, William S. Burroughs, 1983
Cats may have been domesticated for companionship and spiritual roles rather than purely for pest control.
In simple terms: Cats likely began as mystical companions, not just hunters.
Key Takeaway
Consider cats as spiritual partners.
Themes
domestication
mythology
human‑animal bonds
culture
history
Mood
curious
analytical
speculative
Type
historical
anthropological
When to use this quote
- archaeology
- anthropology
- pet ownership
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
psychic companionship
familiars
symbolic roles
Questions to Reflect On
- What cultural factors influence how we view animal roles?
- How does myth shape our understanding of domestication?
A Different Perspective
Evidence is limited and interpretations vary; other animals also served pest control.
![“He [Groucho's father] had absolutely no training, and if you had ever seen one of his suits, you'd realize what an accurate statement that is. You see, Pop never used a tape measure. He didn't believe in it. He said he could just look at a man and tell hi.” quote by Groucho Marx](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/02f/groucho-marx-788_accurate_he-groucho-s-father-had-absolutely-no-tr_22161.jpg)
