In simple terms, this quote suggests that cats are straightforward and pragmatic animals, reflecting a purity of action driven by immediate needs rather than complex emotions or thoughts. Cats approach their environment with a clear sense of what they need to do at any given moment, whether it's finding food, resting comfortably, or avoiding danger.
On a deeper level, the statement implies that true practicality and simplicity can be found in nature, unburdened by human complexities like societal norms or moral dilemmas. Cats embody this purity because their actions are dictated solely by survival instincts and immediate desires, without overthinking. This perspective encourages readers to consider how humans might achieve a similar clarity of purpose, free from unnecessary complications that often cloud our judgment and decision-making processes.
William S. Burroughs, the author of this quote, was an influential American writer known for his pioneering work in the Beat Generation and later as one of the key figures in the counterculture movement. His unique writing style, characterized by its experimental nature and critical social commentary, made him a significant voice in 20th-century literature.