Animal Quote by Dennis Prager
““Those who believe it is immoral to kill animals for any reason, including eating and humane medical experimentation, should reflect on this: While there are strong links between cruelty to animals and cruelty to humans, there are no links between kindness to animals and kindness to humans. Cruelty to animals frequently indicates a tendency toward cruelty to fellow human beings. But kindness to animals does not indicate that a person will be kind to other people. The Nazis, noted for their cruelty to human beings, were also the most pro-animal-rights group prior to the contemporary period. They outlawed experimentation on animals—but performed widespread experiments on human beings. And Hitler was famously affectionate toward his German shepherd, Blondie, while consigning millions of people to hellish misery and agonizing death.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture, 2015
Argues that animal cruelty correlates with human cruelty, but kindness to animals doesn’t guarantee kindness to people.
In simple terms: Animal cruelty often predicts human cruelty; kindness to animals isn’t a reliable moral barometer.
Key Takeaway
Don’t assume animal welfare alone defines moral character.
Themes
ethics
animal rights
human behavior
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
argumentative
philosophical
When to use this quote
- animal testing debates
- animal welfare policies
- personal moral assessment
Key Concepts
moral psychology
correlation vs causation
historical examples
Questions to Reflect On
- Can kindness to animals ever predict human kindness?
- What other factors shape moral actions?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook cultural, psychological, and situational factors influencing behavior.
![“If they [liberals] didn't believe we were mean spirited they couldn't stay liberal. They have to believe they mean better than us, but we don't have to believe that we mean better than them. We have to believe that we do better than them. We measure morality by what happens not what is intended.” quote by Dennis Prager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95d/dennis-prager-631_believe_if-they-liberals-didn-t-believe-we-were_111894.jpg)
