"Human folk are as a matter of fact eager to find intelligence in animals"
- Edward Thorndike
About this Quote
In this quote, Edward Thorndike is revealing his belief that people have a natural inclination to look for intelligence in animals. He recommends that this passion to find intelligence in animals is a common quality amongst humans. This might be due to our fascination with the natural world and our desire to comprehend and connect with other living beings. Thorndike's statement also suggests that human beings may tend to project human-like qualities onto animals, attributing them with intelligence and other human characteristics. In general, this quote highlights the interest and fascination that humans have towards the intelligence of animals.
"Often and often afterwards, the beloved Aunt would ask me why I had never told anyone how I was being treated. Children tell little more than animals, for what comes to them they accept as eternally established"
"Certainly it is wrong to be cruel to animals and the destruction of a whole species can be a great evil. The capacity for feelings of pleasure and pain and for the form of life of which animals are capable clearly impose duties of compassion and humanity in their case"