“If the most significant characteristic of man is the complex of biological needs he shares with all members of his species, then the best lives for the writer to observe are those in which the role of natural necessity is clearest, namely, the lives of the very poor.”
Cite this quote
APA
Auden, W. H. (n.d.). If the most significant characteristic of man is the complex of biological needs he shares with all members of his species, then the best lives for the writer to observe are those in which the role of natural necessity is clearest, namely, the lives of the very poor. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22798-if-the-most-significant-characteristic-of-man-is/
MLA
Auden, W. H. “If the most significant characteristic of man is the complex of biological needs he shares with all members of his species, then the best lives for the writer to observe are those in which the role of natural necessity is clearest, namely, the lives of the very poor.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22798-if-the-most-significant-characteristic-of-man-is/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
Auden, W. H. “If the most significant characteristic of man is the complex of biological needs he shares with all members of his species, then the best lives for the writer to observe are those in which the role of natural necessity is clearest, namely, the lives of the very poor.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22798-if-the-most-significant-characteristic-of-man-is/.