“Some animals utter a loud cry. Some are silent, and others have a voice, which in some cases may be expressed by a word; in others, it cannot. There are also noisy animals and silent animals, musical and unmusical kinds, but they are mostly noisy about the breeding season.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“Some animals utter a loud cry. Some are silent, and others have a voice, which in some cases may be expressed by a word; in others, it cannot. There are also noisy animals and silent animals, musical and unmusical kinds, but they are mostly noisy about the breeding season.”
Explanation
In this passage, Aristotle observes the diversity in the ways animals communicate, highlighting the differences between species in their vocal expressions. Some animals are naturally loud, others silent, and some communicate using vocalizations that are more complex—like words or sounds that resemble human language. Aristotle points out that much of this communication is tied to reproductive behavior, as animals often become noisier during the breeding season, signaling mating calls or territory defense. This idea emphasizes the connection between animal behavior and biological instincts, particularly in relation to reproduction and survival.
This observation can be applied to modern biological and behavioral studies of animals, particularly in understanding communication and social dynamics within species. For instance, many birds and mammals are known for their distinct calls during mating seasons, using sounds to attract mates or establish dominance. In the context of human communication, Aristotle’s thoughts can also be extended to the way humans use language to express emotions, ideas, and intentions—particularly in relation to social roles and reproduction, as humans often express themselves differently in romantic or familial settings.
In a contemporary example, we can observe how animals like wolves or whales use complex vocalizations to communicate with one another in a social structure, especially during mating or territorial disputes. Similarly, humans engage in a variety of communication methods, from verbal language to non-verbal cues, often adjusting their tone, volume, and language depending on the context—whether it’s for personal connection or reproductive purposes. Aristotle’s exploration of animal vocalization underlines the broader biological instinct shared across species, drawing attention to how communication is linked to the fundamental processes of life and survival.
