Of the Sense and Knowledge of Certain Unreasoning Animals explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Folly and Wisdom

  Simplicissimus contrasts human folly—overindulgence and ignorance—with the innate wisdom of animals, suggesting that true understanding lies in nature.

• Innocence and Experience

  The calf's perspective represents a form of innocent wisdom, while the master's skepticism embodies worldly experience that fails to recognize deeper truths.

Characters to notice

• Simplicissimus

  Disguised as a calf, he delivers a philosophical discourse on the intelligence of animals.

Key passages

• “Therefore,” said I, “my excellent master, will I not change with thee: for indeed I have no call to do so since the brook affords me a healthy drink instead of thy costly wines; and He who allowed me to be turned into a calf will also in such wise know how to bless the fruits of the earth to my use, that they be to me as to Nebuchadnezzar, no unfitting provision for food and sustenance: even so hath nature provided me with a good coat of fur; while as for thee, often thou loathest thy meat, thy wine splitteth thy head, and soon will bring thee into one sickness or another.”

  Simplicissimus tells his master he would not trade places, because the simple life—drinking from the brook and eating natural food—is healthier than the master's rich diet, which causes illness and discomfort.

  Simplicissimus defends his animal form as superior to human luxury.

• “Who teacheth the stork to purge himself, the pelican to let himself blood and the bear to get himself scarified by bees? Nay, I might almost say, ye men have learned your arts and sciences from us beasts.”

  Simplicissimus argues that animals instinctively know how to heal themselves, and that humans have actually learned many skills by observing animals.

  He claims human knowledge derives from animal wisdom.