Bears Quote by Daniel Quinn
“From the animist point of view, humans belong in a sacred place because they themselves are sacred. Not sacred in a special way, not more sacred than anything else, but merely as sacred as anything else -- as sacred as bison or salmon or crows or crickets or bears or sunflowers.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, 1992
All beings share inherent sacredness, so humans are part of a holy web, not above other life.
In simple terms: Humans and nature are equally sacred.
Key Takeaway
Respect all life as sacred.
Themes
environmentalism
spirituality
interconnectedness
Mood
reverent
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- wildlife conservation
- sustainable agriculture
- environmental education
- personal meditation
Key Concepts
animism
ecocentrism
holism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing all life as sacred change daily choices?
- What responsibilities arise from this view?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue human consciousness creates moral hierarchy.
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![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
