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Man was appointed by God to have dominion over the beasts…

“Man was appointed by God to have dominion over the beasts, and everything a man does to an animal is either a lawful exercise or a sacrilegious abuse of an authority by divine right.” quote by C. S. Lewis
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“Man was appointed by God to have dominion over the beasts, and everything a man does to an animal is either a lawful exercise or a sacrilegious abuse of an authority by divine right.”

C. S. Lewis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human stewardship over animals is a divine mandate; actions are either rightful management or abusive misuse of that authority.

In simple terms: People must treat animals responsibly, not exploit them.

Key Takeaway

Exercise care, avoid abuse.

Themes

stewardship ethics authority environment responsibility

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • farming
  • pet ownership
  • wildlife conservation
  • zoo management
  • animal research

Key Concepts

dominion moral duty animal rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance human needs with animal welfare?
  • What defines “lawful exercise” in modern contexts?
A Different Perspective

Abuse can be justified by cultural traditions, complicating moral judgments.

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