“Man is not a rational animal; he is a rationalizing animal.”
Robert A. Heinlein book Tunnel in the Sky
Source: Tunnel in the Sky (1955), Chapter 2, “The Fifth Way” (p. 42)
Source: The Economic Problem (1925), Chapter I, "The Problem Profounded", p. 1
“Man is not a rational animal; he is a rationalizing animal.”
Robert A. Heinlein book Tunnel in the Sky
Source: Tunnel in the Sky (1955), Chapter 2, “The Fifth Way” (p. 42)
“Man is a rational animal – so at least I have been told.”
Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) logician, one of the first analytic philosophers and political activist
Often paraphrased as "It has been said that man is a rational animal. All my life I have been searching for evidence which could support this."
1950s, Unpopular Essays (1950)
Context: Man is a rational animal – so at least I have been told. Throughout a long life, I have looked diligently for evidence in favor of this statement, but so far I have not had the good fortune to come across it, though I have searched in many countries spread over three continents.
Jacques Maritain (1882–1973) French philosopher
The Rights of Man (1945). London: Geoffrey Bles, pp. 7–8.
Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) logician, one of the first analytic philosophers and political activist
Gregory Maguire book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Source: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
David Attenborough (1926) British broadcaster and naturalist
Opening narration
The Living Planet (1984)
Jane Goodall (1934) British primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist
" Jane Goodall says 'disrespect for animals' caused pandemic https://news.yahoo.com/jane-goodall-says-disrespect-animals-caused-pandemic-091036641.html", Yahoo News, April 11, 2020.
Jacy Reese (1992) American social scientist
[Wild animals endure illness, injury, and starvation. We should help., December 14, 2015, Vox, https://www.vox.com/2015/12/14/9873012/wild-animals-suffering]
Roy A. Childs, Jr. (1949–1992) American libertarian essayist and critic
“The Contradiction in Objectivism,” 1968