I cruelly hate cruelty, both by nature and reason, as the…
“I cruelly hate cruelty, both by nature and reason, as the worst of all the vices. But then I am so soft in this that I cannot seea chicken's neck wrung without distress, and cannot bear to hear the squealing of a hare between the teeth of my hounds.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Cruelty is the worst vice; even mild suffering, like a chicken's neck, causes distress.
In simple terms: Cruelty is deeply wrong.
Key Takeaway
Avoid causing any suffering.
Themes
ethics
compassion
violence
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- dietary choices
- activism
- personal conduct
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
animal rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we reduce suffering in daily life?
- What responsibilities do we have toward animals?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that natural predation is acceptable.