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Baboon Quote by William S. Burroughs

“If a weaker baboon be attacked by a stronger baboon the weaker baboon will either (a) present his hrump fanny I believe is the word, gentlemen, heh heh for passive intercourse or (b) if he is a different type baboon more extrovert and well-adjusted, lead an attack on an even weaker baboon if he…” quote by William S. Burroughs
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““If a weaker baboon be attacked by a stronger baboon the weaker baboon will either (a) present his hrump fanny I believe is the word, gentlemen, heh heh for passive intercourse or (b) if he is a different type baboon more extrovert and well-adjusted, lead an attack on an even weaker baboon if he can find one.””

William S. Burroughs

About This Quote

Source Novel: Naked Lunch, William S. Burroughs, 1959

Power dynamics cause the weak to either submit or become aggressor toward even weaker targets.

In simple terms: Weakness leads to submission or aggression.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how power shapes behavior.

Themes

power behavior survival hierarchy

Mood

cynical analytical

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • workplace politics
  • family dynamics
  • online bullying
  • resource competition

Key Concepts

social dominance psychology aggression

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you respond when faced with a stronger opponent?
  • When might you choose to dominate a weaker party?
A Different Perspective

Not all conflicts follow this pattern; context matters.

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