Frans de Waal Quotes & Sayings (Page 2)

“Human morality is unthinkable without empathy.”

“The sturdiest pillars of human morality are compassion and a sense of justice.”

“People want to work with somebody who feels shame, who worries about the perceptions of others. Dishonesty is something we don't like in others.”

“It is hard to get animals which normally pay little attention to each other to do things together. One can teach dolphins to jump simultaneously out of the water precisely because they show similar behavior spontaneously, but try to make two domestic cats jump together and you will fail.”

“Chimpanzees, typically, kiss and embrace after fights. They first make eye contact from a distance to see the mood of the others. Then they approach and kiss and embrace.”

“The role of inequity in society is grossly underestimated. Inequity is not good for your health, basically.”

“After World War II it was decided that, in order to prevent the Germans and the French from having another war, it would be better to tie them together into one economic pact so they would invest in each other and have mutual stakes. Until now, that has worked to prevent warfare between the two.”

“Unlike the primate hand, the elephant's grasping organ is also its nose. Elephants use their trunks not only to reach food but also to sniff and touch it. With their unparalleled sense of smell, the animals know exactly what they are going for. Vision is secondary.”

“Exclusive homosexuality is not very common in nature.”

“Female bonobos form a strong sisterhood. They rule through female solidarity.”