Skip to content

If a pig goes upon the threshing-floor, or a field, or a…

“If a pig goes upon the threshing-floor, or a field, or a garden, and the owner of the meadow, or the field, or the garden smites it so that it die, he shall give it back to its owner; but if he does not give it back, he becomes a thief.” quote by Orson Scott Card
Download Open image
“If a pig goes upon the threshing-floor, or a field, or a garden, and the owner of the meadow, or the field, or the garden smites it so that it die, he shall give it back to its owner; but if he does not give it back, he becomes a thief.”

Orson Scott Card

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

If a farmer kills a pig on his land and doesn't return it, he is considered a thief, emphasizing property rights and moral responsibility.

In simple terms: Stealing livestock is theft.

Key Takeaway

Respect ownership and return what you take.

Themes

ethics property responsibility

Mood

serious thoughtful

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • farm management
  • legal disputes
  • community standards

Key Concepts

moral law agricultural practices

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines theft in different societies?
  • How do we balance livelihood needs with property rights?
A Different Perspective

The law may differ across cultures; intent matters.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Orson Scott Card

Explore all 1,158 Orson Scott Card quotes

More Animal quotes

Browse all 13,456 Animal quotes