Fish Quote by Ernest Hemingway
““The fish is my friend too,” he said aloud. “I have never seen or heard of such a fish. But I must kill him. I am glad we do not have to try to kill the stars.” Imagine if each day a man must try to kill the moon, he thought. The moon runs away. But imagine if a man each day should have to try to kill the sun? We were born lucky, he thought. Then he was sorry for the great fish that had nothing to eat and his determination to kill him never relaxed in his sorrow for him. How many people will he feed, he thought. But are they worthy to eat him? No, of course not. There is no one worthy of eating him from the manner of his behaviour and his great dignity. I do not understand these things, he thought. But it is good that we do not have to try to kill the sun or the moon or the stars. It is enough to live on the sea and kill our true brothers. Now,””
About This Quote
The narrator wrestles with the absurdity of killing harmless beings and the futility of trying to dominate natural forces, reflecting on moral responsibility.
In simple terms: Killing innocent things feels wrong; we shouldn't try to control nature.
Key Takeaway
Respect life and avoid needless destruction.
Themes
morality
humanity
nature
absurdity
responsibility
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- environmental ethics
- personal reflection
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
existentialism
ethical paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do we have toward other living beings?
- How does power over nature affect our humanity?
A Different Perspective
Human desire to dominate can be misguided.
