Meaning: The quote by James Gibson, a renowned psychologist, delves into the concept of "affordances" and their significance in the development and survival of humans and animals. In order to understand the quote, it is important to first comprehend the term "affordances."

Affordances refer to the potential actions or uses that an object or environment offers to an individual. This concept was introduced by Gibson in the field of ecological psychology, which focuses on the relationship between individuals and their environment. According to Gibson, affordances are not just physical properties of objects, but they are also perceived by individuals based on their abilities and needs.

The quote emphasizes the importance of perceiving affordances, especially for the young, as it is crucial for their development and survival. In the context of human development, it implies that young individuals must learn to perceive and understand the opportunities and potential actions that their environment offers. This learning process allows them to adapt and interact effectively with their surroundings, ultimately contributing to their survival and well-being.

Furthermore, Gibson highlights the contrast between human young and the young of some animals in terms of learning affordances. He suggests that while human young have the opportunity to learn and perceive these affordances to some degree, the young of certain animals may not have sufficient time to learn the crucial affordances necessary for their survival.

This differentiation draws attention to the evolutionary and ecological aspects of affordances. In the case of animals with limited time for learning, there may be certain affordances in their environment that are crucial for their survival, such as identifying food sources or potential dangers. Failure to quickly recognize and respond to these affordances could have life-threatening consequences for these animals.

The quote also raises questions about the role of instinct and innate behaviors in perceiving affordances. While some animals may rely on innate instincts to recognize and respond to crucial affordances, human young are likely to rely on a combination of innate predispositions and learned experiences to perceive and utilize affordances in their environment.

In the broader context of psychology and human development, Gibson's concept of affordances has significant implications. It underscores the importance of understanding the dynamic relationship between individuals and their surroundings. Moreover, it emphasizes the role of perception and learning in shaping human behavior and cognitive development.

In conclusion, James Gibson's quote encapsulates the significance of affordances in the development and survival of humans and animals. It sheds light on the learning process of perceiving affordances, particularly for the young, and highlights the contrasting abilities of different species in this aspect. This quote serves as a thought-provoking insight into the ecological and developmental psychology of affordances, prompting further exploration and analysis of the intricate relationship between individuals and their environments.