What is the question now placed before society with the glib assurance which to me is most astonishing? That question is this: Is man an ape or an angel? I, my lord, I am on the side of the angels. I repudiate with indignation and abhorrence those new fangled theories.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Disraeli questions whether humanity is base or divine, asserting he supports the noble view and rejects contrary theories.
- In plain terms
- He believes humans are angels, not apes, and hates new ideas saying otherwise.
- What can you take from it?
- Uphold a dignified view of human nature against reductive theories.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines human worth?
- How do you classify humanity?
Another view
It dismisses scientific perspectives on evolution without addressing them.
More from Benjamin Disraeli
The characteristic of the present age is craving credulity.
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Permalink to quote #33 Never take anything for granted.
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