This quote from Cormac McCarthy's "The Orchard Keeper" highlights the intelligence of housecats, suggesting they are even wiser than dogs and mules. The narrator points out that people often underestimate cats, believing their perceived inability to learn stems from a lack of intelligence. However, the sentiment is that cats choose not to learn or follow commands, indicating they possess a deeper understanding and independence.

The essence of the quote emphasizes how intelligence can manifest differently across species. Cats, with their unique behaviors and attitudes, reflect a form of cleverness that resists traditional training, showcasing their autonomy and discerning nature. This perspective invites readers to appreciate the secretive and complex lives of housecats, challenging common assumptions about pet intelligence.