Genre:

Introduction; Extract; Afterword

Publications extracted:

Tatler

Subjects:

Human Species, Natural History, Reason

    An extract presents a meditation on 'the distinction between a life which is merely animal, and that which deserves the name of rational'. A merely existing person is the animal which most closely resembles the human species. Unlike 'all those creatures which have only a partial resemblance to man, such as the Ape, the Ouran-outang, the Parrot, &c.', which can only 'mimic the actions of man' or 'imitate his words', the merely existing person has 'every faculty of the human soul' and is 'capable of entertaining similar thoughts to his prototype', but yet 'appears as if he had no mind or understanding'. (60)