This quote is a commentary on human nature and evolution. It suggests that despite humans having evolved from apes, there are still many primal, ape-like behaviors that persist in our species. The ‘more of an ape than any of the apes’ part refers to how we, as humans, often exhibit behaviors that are more primitive and less civilized than what we attribute to our ape ancestors.

The quote is a critique of human arrogance and the belief in our superiority over other species. It implies that in spite of our intelligence, technological advancements, and cultural sophistication, we can still be driven by primal instincts such as aggression, territoriality, and dominance. These are behaviors we associate with ‘lower’ forms of life, yet they are still very much a part of human nature.

In today’s world, this quote can be applied to various aspects of society and personal development. It can be seen in how despite our advancements, we still struggle with issues like war, violence, greed, and prejudice – primal instincts that we’ve yet to evolve beyond. It can also be used to reflect on personal growth, reminding us to be aware of our primal instincts and strive to rise above them, to not let them control our actions and decisions.

For instance, in a competitive work environment, our instinct might be to dominate and outdo others for personal gain. However, recognizing this ‘ape-like’ behavior allows us to instead foster a collaborative environment where everyone benefits. Similarly, in our personal lives, we might feel the instinctual pull of anger or fear in certain situations. Acknowledging these as primal responses can help us manage these emotions better and react in more thoughtful, evolved ways.

In essence, the quote encourages introspection and self-awareness. It prompts us to question our actions, behaviors, and instincts, and to strive for personal growth and societal progress that goes beyond our biological evolution.