Skip to content

[The taxidermist is] a historian, dealing with an animal's…

“[The taxidermist is] a historian, dealing with an animal's past; the zookeeper is a politician, dealing with an animal's present; and everyone else is a citizen who must decide on that animal's future (...) The indifference of the many, combined with the active hatred of the few, has sealed the…” quote by Yann Martel
Download Open image
“[The taxidermist is] a historian, dealing with an animal's past; the zookeeper is a politician, dealing with an animal's present; and everyone else is a citizen who must decide on that animal's future (...) The indifference of the many, combined with the active hatred of the few, has sealed the fate of animals.”

Yann Martel

About This Quote

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

Animals as symbols of past, present, and future; human responsibility toward them amid apathy and hatred.

In simple terms: Humans decide animals' fates.

Key Takeaway

Act responsibly for animal futures.

Themes

environment ethics responsibility animal rights

Mood

thoughtful urgent

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • conservation policies
  • community activism
  • education programs

Key Concepts

stewardship human impact

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can individuals counter apathy?
  • What policies protect animal futures?
A Different Perspective

Indifference and hatred can dominate without collective action.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Yann Martel

Explore all 570 Yann Martel quotes

More Active quotes

Browse all 2,212 Active quotes