My view [is] that what morality boils down to is, 'Don’t…
![“My view [is] that what morality boils down to is, 'Don’t harm, and do help.' And now the question is, 'Can creatures like chickens and cows be harmed?' And the answer is, 'Of course they can.' Consequently, I think it’s immoral to harm them. And that seems to me to provide a very strong moral…” quote by Shelly Kagan](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/45e/shelly-kagan-90612_animal_my-view-is-that-what-morality-boils-down_2727219.jpg)
““My view [is] that what morality boils down to is, 'Don’t harm, and do help.' And now the question is, 'Can creatures like chickens and cows be harmed?' And the answer is, 'Of course they can.' Consequently, I think it’s immoral to harm them. And that seems to me to provide a very strong moral reason to be vegetarian, to not wear leather... it seems to me that our treatment of animals is morally appalling... and that we ought to radically revise the way we live, precisely because they feel pain, they can be hurt, and we’re constantly hurting these creatures!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Morality is about avoiding harm and providing help; animals feel pain, so harming them is immoral, supporting vegetarianism and anti‑leather choices.
In simple terms: Avoid harming sentient beings.
Key Takeaway
Consider plant‑based choices.
Themes
ethics
animal rights
compassion
vegetarianism
pain
Mood
thoughtful
ethical
argumentative
Type
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- dietary decisions
- consumer choices
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
speciesism
suffering
ethical consistency
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think all harm is equal?
- How can societies shift toward less harmful practices?
A Different Perspective
Complexities of human diets; cultural traditions may conflict.