Cannibals? Who is not a cannibal? I tell you it will be…
“Cannibals? Who is not a cannibal? I tell you it will be more tolerable for the Fejee that salted down a lean missionary in his cellar against a coming famine; it will be more tolerable for that provident Fejee, I say, in the day of judgement, than for thee, civilized and enlightened gourmand, who nailest geese to the ground and feastest on their bloated livers in thy pate de fois gras.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human behavior is inherently cannibalistic, metaphorically consuming others’ suffering; moral judgments are relative and often hypocritical.
In simple terms: We all consume others in some way.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and temper selfish impulses.
Themes
morality
hypocrisy
human nature
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
analytical
satirical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- environmental ethics
- personal reflection
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What “cannibalistic” habits do you see in society?
- How do you reconcile personal comfort with others’ suffering?
A Different Perspective
Not all consumption is literal; context matters.