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Animal Quote by Carl Sagan

“Humans - who enslave, castrate, experiment on, and fillet other animals - have had an understandable penchant for pretending animals do not feel pain.” quote by Carl Sagan
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“Humans - who enslave, castrate, experiment on, and fillet other animals - have had an understandable penchant for pretending animals do not feel pain.”

Carl Sagan

About This Quote

Source Book: Cosmos, 1980

Humans often ignore animal suffering to justify exploitation, reflecting a moral blind spot.

In simple terms: People pretend animals don’t feel pain.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and reduce animal cruelty.

Themes

ethics animal rights humanism denial science

Mood

reflective somber urgent

Type

ethical scientific advocacy

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • food industry
  • pet ownership
  • conservation work

Key Concepts

moral psychology speciesism ethical responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we rationalize harming animals?
  • What changes could reduce this bias?
A Different Perspective

Economic interests often override compassion.

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