King of the animals — as thou hast described him — I…
“King of the animals — as thou hast described him — I should rather say king of the beasts, thou being the greatest — because thou hast spared slaying them, in order that they may give thee their children for the benefit of the gullet, of which thou hast attempted to make a sepulchre for all animals; and I would say still more, if it were allowed me to speak the entire truth.”
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 critiques calling a predator the “king of the animals,” suggesting it is merely a king of beasts because it spares them only to later consume their offspring, highlighting a paradox of mercy and exploitation.
In simple terms: Calling a predator a king is ironic; it spares only to later eat.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden motives behind apparent kindness.
Themes
ethics
power
nature
paradox
humanity
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
ethical
When to use this quote
- hunting
- food chain
- political rhetoric
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
predation
moral hypocrisy
utilitarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we ever spare others for future benefit?
- How does power shape our justification of cruelty?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes all predators act with human-like intent, which may not hold.