Humor Quote by Douglas Adams
““What's the problem Earthman?" said Zaphod, now transferring his attention to the animal's enormous rump. "I just don't want to eat an animal that's standing here inviting me to," said Arthur, "it's heartless." "Better than eating an animal that doesn't want to be eaten," said Zaphod. "That's not the point," Arthur protested. Then he thought about it for a moment. "Alright," he said, "maybe it is the point. I don't care, I'm not going to think about it now. I'll just ... er ..." The Universe raged about him in its death throes. "I think I'll just have a green salad," he muttered. "May I urge you to consider my liver?" asked the animal, "it must be very rich and tender by now, I've been force-feeding myself for months." "A green salad," said Arthur emphatically. "A green salad?" said the animal, rolling his eyes disapprovingly at Arthur. "Are you going to tell me," said Arthur, "that I shouldn't have green salad?" "Well," said the animal, "I know many vegetables that are very clear on that point. Which is why it was eventually decided to cut through the whole tangled problem and breed an animal that actually wanted to be eaten and was capable of saying so clearly and distinctly. And here I am." It managed a very slight bow. "Glass of water please," said Arthur.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 1979
The dialogue satirically explores moral dilemmas about eating sentient beings, highlighting absurdity in ethical reasoning.
In simple terms: Eating sentient animals raises complex moral questions.
Consider compassion when choosing food.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- dietary choices
- animal rights
- environmental impact
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Would you eat a sentient animal if it consented?
- How does satire affect your moral reasoning?
The humor may downplay serious ethical concerns.