“What an ugly beast the ape, and how like us.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“What an ugly beast the ape, and how like us.”
Explanation
This quote offers a striking reflection on the uncomfortable similarity between humans and apes, using irony to provoke philosophical self-examination and humility. Cicero, by calling the ape “ugly” yet acknowledging its resemblance to humans, draws attention to the vanity of mankind, suggesting that what we often disdain in other creatures may be a mirror of ourselves. The remark hints at the tension between human pride and our animal nature—a subtle critique of our tendency to deny or mock traits that are actually part of our own makeup.
In the Roman intellectual tradition, and particularly in Cicero’s work, human dignity was tied to reason and virtue, setting humans apart from animals. Yet this quote implies that physical and behavioral similarities challenge that sense of superiority. Cicero may be pointing to the irony that, despite our claim to refinement and reason, we are not so far removed from the “beast” we ridicule—a notion that encourages philosophical modesty.
In the modern age, where evolutionary biology confirms our genetic closeness to primates, Cicero’s observation resonates even more. It serves as a reminder that our humanity is not guaranteed by form alone, but by how we live, think, and act. The quote continues to challenge us to confront our flaws without arrogance and to acknowledge the shared roots of life with humility rather than contempt.
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