To restate an old law - when a man bites a fish, that's…
“To restate an old law - when a man bites a fish, that's good, but when a fish bites a man, that's bad. This is one way of saying it's all right if man kills an animal, but if an animal attacks man, the act is reprehensible.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The saying illustrates a double standard: killing animals for food is accepted, yet being attacked by an animal is condemned, exposing moral inconsistency.
In simple terms: Killing animals for food is okay, but being attacked by one is seen as wrong.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge inconsistent moral judgments.
Themes
ethics
human‑animal relations
double standards
law
morality
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- hunting
- self‑defense
- animal rights activism
- legal cases
- cultural practices
Key Concepts
anthropocentrism
speciesism
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- When is killing an animal justified?
- Do we treat all animal interactions equally?
A Different Perspective
The analogy oversimplifies complex ethical contexts and may ignore self‑preservation rights.