This compassion, or sympathy with the pains of others…
““This compassion, or sympathy with the pains of others, ought also to extend to the brute creation, as far as our necessities will admit; for we cannot exist long without the destruction of other animal or vegetable beings either in their mature or embryon state. Such is the condition of mortality, that the first law of nature is 'eat, or be eaten.' Hence for the preservation of our existence we may be supposed to have a natural right to kill those brute creatures, which we want to eat, or which want to eat us; but to destroy even insects wantonly shows an unreflecting mind, or a depraved heart.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human compassion should extend to animals, but survival necessitates killing when needed; needless harm shows moral failing.
In simple terms: We should care for animals but may kill for survival; needless killing is immoral.
Key Takeaway
Balance empathy with practical survival needs.
Themes
ethics
animal rights
survival
morality
compassion
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
environmental
When to use this quote
- dietary choices
- farming practices
- wildlife management
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
anthropocentrism
natural law
utilitarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we decide which animals deserve protection?
- When is killing justified for survival?
A Different Perspective
Humans also cause suffering; absolute non‑violence may be unrealistic.