Meaning: This quote by American humorist Will Cuppy touches on the idea that no matter how impressive or powerful someone or something may be, there will always be individuals who fail to appreciate or respect them. Cuppy uses the image of a lion, a symbol of strength and majesty, to illustrate this point. He suggests that for some people, the lion is only worthy of respect if it immediately demonstrates its power by devouring them, highlighting the unrealistic and often contradictory expectations that people can have.

In this quote, Cuppy captures the essence of human nature and the complexities of human perception. The idea that some individuals may only recognize the worth of others when they conform to their specific expectations or desires is a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of respect and appreciation. It also speaks to the fickle and often unreasonable nature of human judgment.

The lion as a symbol in this quote represents not only physical strength but also nobility and regality. The animal has long been a symbol of power and prowess, often revered and feared in equal measure. By using the lion as a metaphor, Cuppy draws attention to the tendency of some individuals to demand immediate and dramatic displays of power or authority in order to acknowledge and respect it.

Cuppy's wry and humorous tone in this quote suggests a certain resignation to the irrational and unpredictable nature of human behavior. He seems to be pointing out the absurdity of expecting a majestic creature like a lion to conform to the whims of human expectations in order to gain respect. There is an underlying commentary on the often unfair and arbitrary ways in which people judge and evaluate others.

The quote also offers a subtle critique of human entitlement and the way some individuals feel they are owed certain demonstrations of power or respect. It highlights the inherent selfishness and lack of empathy in expecting others to conform to one's own desires and demands, particularly when those demands are unreasonable or impractical.

Overall, Cuppy's quote serves as a clever and thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of human nature and the often contradictory and unreasonable ways in which people perceive and judge the world around them. It encourages introspection and self-awareness, urging individuals to consider the fairness and reasonableness of their own expectations and demands for respect and acknowledgment from others. In its simplicity, the quote captures the essence of human behavior and the often perplexing dynamics of respect and appreciation.