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 doest only help them, in order that they 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 I were allowed to speak the entire truth...now does not nature produce enough simple (vegetarian) food for thee to satisfy thyself?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Da Vinci critiques humanity’s exploitation of animals for food, urging a vegetarian diet as more natural and humane.
In simple terms: Humans overuse animals for meat; consider plant‑based eating.
Key Takeaway
Choose plant‑based meals.
Themes
ethics
environment
diet
humanity
animals
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- menu planning
- ethical dining
Key Concepts
sustainability
compassion
nutrition
Questions to Reflect On
- What would change in your diet if you prioritized animal welfare?
- How can societies support sustainable plant‑based food systems?
A Different Perspective
Vegetarianism may be culturally challenging or nutritionally insufficient for some.