Animals Quote by Yann Martel
““You see, the penis, it's so graceless, wouldn't you agree? When it's cold and shrivelled up, it looks like W.H. Auden in his old age; when it's hot, it flops and dangles about in a ridiculous way; when it's excited, it looks so pained and earnest you'd think it was going to burst into tears. And the scrotum! To think that something so vital to the survival of the species, fully responsible for 50 per cent of the ingredients--though none of the work--should hang freely from the body in a tiny, defenceless bag of skin. One whack, one bite, one paw-scratch--and it's just the right level, too, for your average animal, a dog, a lion, a sabre-tooth tiger--and that's it, end of story. Don't you think it should get better protection? Behind some bone, for example, like us? What could be better than our nicely tapered entrance? It's discreet and stylish, everything is cleverly and compactly encased in the body, with nothing hanging out within easy reach of a closing subway door, there's a neat triangle of hair above it, like a road sign, should you lose your way--it's perfect. The penis is just such a lousy design. It's pre-Scandinavian. Pre-Bauhaus, even.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author interview, The Life of Pi, 2001
The quote humorously critiques male genital anatomy as poorly designed compared to other species, suggesting it lacks protection and elegance.
In simple terms: Male anatomy is seen as awkward and unprotected.
Key Takeaway
Consider design improvements for safety.
Themes
humor
anatomy
design critique
gender
evolution
Mood
irry
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
satire
commentary
observational
When to use this quote
- medical device design
- product ergonomics
- public health education
- gender studies
- evolutionary biology
Key Concepts
biomechanics
evolutionary design
human anatomy
comparative anatomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural perceptions affect anatomical design criticism?
- What practical changes could improve safety?
A Different Perspective
Biological constraints limit redesign; cultural taboos may hinder discussion.
![“If it suits [God] to be a deity that we must seek without being forced to, would it not have been sensible for him to use the mechanism of evolution without posting obvious road signs to reveal his role in creation?” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68e/richard-dawkins-115_creation_if-it-suits-god-to-be-a-deity-that-we-mu_970190.jpg)
