I would take it as a personal favor if you would use the…
““I would take it as a personal favor if you would use the term Ambient Temperature Risen American.” “Ha, ha, ha.” He saw that Reagan was not smiling. “Ah, of course, anyway, I just wanted to say that many of my close friends are at ambient temperature, in fact many of them have become estates, which I think we have to learn to think of as they are every bit as much a person as any corporation, or any other corporation if the estate happens to be incorporated or own a corporation, because we have to think about that. And I want you to know that I can identify very strongly with that, because, in fact, many of my ancestors are ambient temperature also, as I know from having attended their baptisms.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker humorously equates non-living entities with persons, urging recognition of their agency and rights.
In simple terms: Treat all entities, even non-living, as having personhood.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect the agency of all entities.
Themes
personhood
rights
anthropomorphism
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- corporate law
- environmental policy
- technology ethics
- social activism
Key Concepts
legal personhood
ethical consideration
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personifying non-living entities affect our ethical responsibilities?
- What limits should exist in extending personhood?
A Different Perspective
Equating non-living things to persons can dilute meaningful legal distinctions.