Who said “Instinct is untaught ability.”?

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Alexander Bain. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceAlexander Bain, The Senses and the Intellect (1855), p. 256; in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 397-98.

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“Instinct is untaught ability.”
— Alexander Bain
VerifiedAlexander Bain, The Senses and the Intellect (1855), p. 256; in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 397-98. · evidenceInstinct
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Alexander Bain, The Senses and the Intellect (1855), p. 256; in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 397-98..

APA

Bain, A. (n.d.). Instinct is untaught ability. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24334-instinct-is-untaught-ability/

MLA

Bain, Alexander. “Instinct is untaught ability.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24334-instinct-is-untaught-ability/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Bain, Alexander. “Instinct is untaught ability.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24334-instinct-is-untaught-ability/.

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