On: A Cephalopod Has Passed a Cognitive Test Designed ...

[ldng]

> One need look no further than the numerous metaphors that have been passed down from these non-urban times: stubborn as a mule, wise as serpents, cunning like a fox, horse-sense, wise as an owl, etc...

Are you sure that comes from nature observation ?

Satire used to criticize the powerful of the world picturing them as animals. So these associations might not come from where you think they do. La Fontaine's fables are a good example of that. He was not the only one to do that.

[lurquer → ldng]

I have firsthand knowledge of the sayings in regard to mules, horses, and foxes. They are very accurate.

Never thought snakes were that ‘wise’ though. Don’t know about owls.