One has but to observe a community of beavers at work in a stream to understand the loss in his sagacity, balance, co-operation, competence, and purpose which Man has suffered since he rose up on his hind legs. He began to chatter and he developed Reason, Thought, and Imagination, qualities which would get the smartest group of rabbits or orioles in the world into inextricable trouble overnight.

Summary

This quote emphasizes how humans, in their quest for intellectual development, have lost some innate qualities possessed by other creatures. By citing the example of beavers working harmoniously in a stream, it suggests that humans have become less wise, balanced, cooperative, competent, and purposeful since acquiring advanced abilities like reasoning, thinking, and imagination. In contrast, simpler creatures like rabbits or orioles, unaware of such complexities, are believed to avoid unnecessary complications. The quote serves as a reminder to reflect on the potential downsides of human intellect and the importance of maintaining a balance between intelligence and instinct.

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