--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What's the problem Earthman?\" said…" description: "\"“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 st..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/77d/douglas-adams-122_humor_what-s-the-problem-earthman-said-zaphod_943848.png" --- # What's the problem Earthman?" said Zaphod, now… ![“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…” quote by Douglas Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/77d/douglas-adams-122_humor_what-s-the-problem-earthman-said-zaphod_943848.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/77d/douglas-adams-122_humor_what-s-the-problem-earthman-said-zaphod_943848.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/77d/douglas-adams-122_humor_what-s-the-problem-earthman-said-zaphod_943848.png) > ““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.”” [Douglas Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-adams/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. Key Takeaway Consider compassion when choosing food. Themes ethics humor absurdity Mood witty critical Type satirical philosophical When to use this quote - dietary choices - animal rights - environmental impact - personal ethics Key Concepts moral philosophy satire Questions to Reflect On - Would you eat a sentient animal if it consented? - How does satire affect your moral reasoning? A Different Perspective The humor may downplay serious ethical concerns. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Humor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humor/) ## Related quotes > [“Good evening," it lowed and sat back heavily on its haunches, "I am the main Dish of the Day. 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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. 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