"We say of an animal that it is intelligent, and we say the same thing of a woman; but in neither case is it usually appropriate, clearly for very different reasons"
- Jose Bergamin
About this Quote
This quote by Jose Bergamin is a commentary en route society views intelligence. He is recommending that when we say an animal or a lady is smart, it is not typically proper. He indicates that this is due to various reasons. This might be analyzed as a criticism of the way society views intelligence, particularly in regards to ladies. He is suggesting that intelligence is not seen as a preferable trait in women, which this is a reflection of the patriarchal society we live in. He is also recommending that animals are not viewed as intelligent, even though they can be. This quote highlights the need for society to re-evaluate its views on intelligence and to acknowledge the intelligence of both women and 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"
