"I confess freely to you, I could never look long upon a monkey, without very mortifying reflections"

This quote by William Congreve is a reflection on the human condition. He is recommending that when he looks at a monkey, he is advised of his own death and the reality that human beings are not so different from other animals. He is suggesting that when he looks at a monkey, he is reminded of his own death and the truth that people are not so different from other animals. He is suggesting that humans are not as unique or as remarkable as they may think they are. He is likewise recommending that humans must be humble and accept their place in the animal kingdom. He is likewise recommending that people need to understand their own mortality and not take themselves too seriously. This quote is a tip to be modest and to accept our place in the animal kingdom. It is also a tip to be knowledgeable about our own mortality and to not take ourselves too seriously.