Man is neither mere intellect not the gross animal body, nor the heart or soul alone.

This quote suggests that a human being is not defined singularly by any one aspect of their existence. It means that we are not just intellectual beings driven by logic and reason, nor are we merely physical entities dominated by our bodily needs and desires. Similarly, we are more than just emotional creatures guided solely by our hearts or spiritual beings focused only on the soul.

This multifaceted understanding of humanity implies that to truly understand ourselves and others, we need to consider all these aspects – intellect, body, heart, and soul. Each component has its own importance in shaping who we are, how we perceive the world around us and how we behave within it.

In today’s world where specialization is highly valued and often necessary for success in certain fields, this idea can serve as a reminder to maintain balance. While it’s important to develop specific skills or knowledge areas for professional growth or personal interest, this shouldn’t come at the cost of neglecting other aspects of our being.

For instance, an individual who focuses solely on intellectual pursuits might neglect their physical health or become disconnected from their emotions. Conversely someone too absorbed in attending to bodily needs may ignore intellectual stimulation or emotional development.

In terms of personal development then this quote could be seen as advocating for a holistic approach. To fully realize one’s potential one must pay attention not just to cognitive abilities but also physical health (through exercise & nutrition), emotional intelligence (understanding & managing emotions) along with spiritual well-being (finding purpose & meaning).

So whether you’re setting personal goals or trying to understand others better remember that man is neither mere intellect nor the gross animal body nor the heart alone but a complex blend of all these elements together which makes us uniquely human.