Logo - Feel The Words

Herd Quotes

On guiding, following, and moving as one.

These herd quotes range from the practical work of herding ostriches and yaks to a pointed jab at imitators who follow the crowd without any direct thought of their own.

You don't direct ostriches, you herd them.

Quotes by Shelley Duvall

I waited until the end of the 'Behold Electric Guitar' recording sessions to record ‘A Herd of Turtles,' as I knew the unusual arrangement might raise some eyebrows.

Quotes by Paul Gilbert

I now have great color sprinkled throughout my herd.

Quotes by Janine Turner

The rush of a herd of bellowing yaks at a wild gallop, waving their huge tails, is a grand sight.

Quotes by Isabella Bird

Color Quotes

O imitators, you slavish herd!

Quotes by Horace

Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd.

Quotes by Bertrand Russell

Chicago is a sort of journalistic Yellowstone Park, offering haven to a last herd of fantastic bravos.

Quotes by Ben Hecht

I don't want to follow the herd.

Quotes by Alain Robert

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "you don't direct ostriches, you herd them" mean?
It draws a distinction between directing and herding, suggesting ostriches can't be guided with precise instructions and instead must be moved as a group. This is likely used as a metaphor for managing something unpredictable. The line plays on the practical difficulty of controlling flighty animals with Direct commands.
What does the quote about color in a herd describe?
The speaker says they now have great Color sprinkled throughout their herd, likely referring to variety in coat colors among their animals. It reads as a small point of pride in selective breeding or care. The comment is understated but clearly satisfied.
What does the yak quote describe?
It paints a vivid picture of yaks bellowing and galloping together, tails swinging, and calls the whole scene a grand sight. This is an admiring description of animals in motion rather than a metaphor. It captures raw physical spectacle.
What is the meaning behind "O imitators, you slavish herd"?
This line criticizes people who blindly copy others, comparing them to a herd following without independent thought. "Slavish" makes clear the criticism is about lack of originality, not literal animals. It's a pointed jab at conformity.
Do these herd quotes describe animals and people the same way?
Not quite — some describe literal animal herds with admiration or practical detail, while the "imitators" line uses "herd" purely as a metaphor for human conformity. The word shifts between literal and figurative meaning depending on the quote. That range shows how versatile the term can be.

One speaker takes pride in a herd's improved color, a small but genuine reminder that careful tending can turn even a herd into something worth admiring.