The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a

The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a

Frans de Waal
22/09/2025
22/09/2025

The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.

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The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a
The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a

The wise Frans de Waal speaks of a truth woven into the very fabric of life: “The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a tremendous source of joy. The unconditional love received from pets, and the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast sharply with the much trickier dealings with members of their own species.” These words remind us that there exists a form of innocence and purity in the bonds forged between the young and the creatures of the earth, a harmony unclouded by deceit or pride.

Children, in their innate simplicity, possess open hearts and unguarded spirits. They sense the silent language of animals, a language older than words, flowing through glances, touch, and shared presence. In this communion, the child discovers joy untainted by judgment, for pets offer love freely, without demand or pretense. Such bonds nurture the soul, reminding the young of their place within the great circle of life, where humans are but one thread among many.

In contrast, human dealings are often veiled in artifice, shaped by expectations, competition, and the complexities of the mind. As children grow, they must learn to navigate the tangled paths of society, where motives are hidden and trust must be carefully earned. This is why the relationship with animals shines so brightly in youth: it is a sanctuary of truth and simplicity amid the storm of human emotion and misunderstanding.

The origins of this truth are ancient, reaching back to the time when humankind first shared fires with wolves, oxen, and birds beneath the endless sky. From those early days, animals were companions, protectors, and teachers. Even now, they remain symbols of loyalty and guardians of a world unspoiled by human schemes. To honor this bond is to honor a part of ourselves that remembers the wild and the sacred.

Let future generations heed this wisdom: cherish the connection with all living beings, for it teaches humility, compassion, and the essence of unconditional love. In the eyes of an animal, a child sees a reflection of the soul—untainted, eternal, and free.

Frans de Waal
Frans de Waal

Dutch - Scientist Born: October 29, 1948

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Have 5 Comment The intuitive connection children feel with animals can be a

KPNguyen khac phan

I find Frans de Waal’s perspective so insightful, especially the contrast he draws between the unconditional love from pets and the often more complicated relationships we have with people. Could it be that we, as adults, could learn something from children’s natural ability to form such untainted connections with animals? If we were more attuned to the pure, instinctual love animals provide, could it transform the way we approach human relationships?

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DKPham Dai Khoi

Frans de Waal’s reflection on the bond between children and animals makes me think about how much we often complicate relationships with our own species. What if, instead of focusing so much on expectations and nuances, we could learn to foster more authentic and simple connections with people? Could the joy children find in pets teach us to be less guarded and more open in our relationships with others?

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CPChe Pham

I love how Frans de Waal emphasizes the purity of the bond between children and animals. It’s true that pets give us an unwavering, non-judgmental love, but it raises the question: do children learn to value this kind of unconditional love? As they grow older and face more complicated human relationships, do they carry that simplicity with them, or does it fade in the face of societal expectations and conflicts?

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QVMai quang vinh

This quote really resonates with me, especially in how it highlights the simplicity and joy that children experience with pets. Could it be that the unconditional love animals offer teaches children something about trust and empathy that human relationships sometimes lack? I wonder if growing up with pets can help children develop a deeper emotional understanding, especially when navigating the complexities of their relationships with people.

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DQDo Quoc

Frans de Waal’s insight into the connection children feel with animals is truly beautiful. It makes me wonder why the relationships with animals often seem so pure and uncomplicated, compared to the complexities of human interactions. Is it the lack of expectation or judgment that makes these bonds so special? What would happen if we could bring some of that unconditional love and openness into our human relationships?

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