He [man] abuses equally other animals and his own species…
![“He [man] abuses equally other animals and his own species, the rest of whom live in famine, languish in misery, and work only to satisfy the immoderate appetite and the still more insatiable vanity of this human being who, destroying others by want, destroys himself by excess.” quote by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/024/georges-louis-leclerc-comte-de_abuse_he-man-abuses-equally-other-animals-and_2997624.png)
“He [man] abuses equally other animals and his own species, the rest of whom live in famine, languish in misery, and work only to satisfy the immoderate appetite and the still more insatiable vanity of this human being who, destroying others by want, destroys himself by excess.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human greed harms both others and oneself, creating a cycle of excess and suffering.
In simple terms: Greed damages all, including the greedy.
Key Takeaway
Moderate desires, avoid excess.
Themes
greed
environment
self‑destruction
ethics
Mood
critical
philosophical
Type
ethical
environmental
When to use this quote
- resource management
- ethical decision‑making
- personal budgeting
Key Concepts
overconsumption
human impact
vanity
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your excesses?
- How can societies curb collective greed?
A Different Perspective
Human nature may resist restraint.