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. . . money . . . is really the difference between men and animals, most of the things men feel, animals feel, and vice versa, but animals do not know about money.
Gertrude Stein
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that the understanding of money sets humans apart from animals, who experience similar feelings but lack the concept of currency.

In this quote, Gertrude Stein reflects on the unique human relationship with money, positing that while both humans and animals share a range of feelings and experiences, the awareness and concept of money is a distinct characteristic of humanity. This implies that money plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior and social structures, distinguishing us from the natural instinctual world of animals who do not engage in economic transactions.

Themes

MoneyHumansAnimalsFeelingsDifference

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about economic disparities during a seminar.

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Anything one does every day is important and imposing and anywhere one lives is interesting and beautiful.
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