"It may be a mistake, that man, in a state of nature, is more disposed to cruelty than courtesy"

This quote by Mercy Otis Warren recommends that human beings, when not influenced by society, are most likely to act cruelly than kindly. Warren is indicating that it is only through the influence of society that people are able to show courtesy and compassion. She is recommending that without the impact of society, humans would be most likely to act out of self-interest and be terrible to one another. This quote is a suggestion that society has a powerful impact on how humans connect with one another which it is essential to promote a culture of kindness and courtesy. Warren's quote is a tip that it is essential to be conscious of our actions and to strive to be kind and considerate to one another.