It is the simple truth that man does differ from the brutes in kind and not in degree; and the proof of it is here; that it sounds like a truism to say that the most primitive man drew a picture of a monkey and that it sounds like a joke to say that the most intelligent monkey drew a picture of a man. Something of division and disproportion has appeared; and it is unique. Art is the signature of man.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humans differ from animals in kind, not degree, proven by art; a primitive man drawing a monkey is expected, but a monkey drawing a man is absurd.
- In plain terms
- Humans are different from animals in kind because only humans make art to represent each other.
- What can you take from it?
- Human uniqueness lies in creative expression like art.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes humans unique?
- Is art unique to humans?
Another view
Some animals show rudimentary artistic behavior.
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