Air Quote by Francis Quarles
“The birds of the air die to sustain thee; the beasts of the field die to nourish thee; the fishes of the sea die to feed thee. Our stomachs are their common sepulchre. Good God! with how many deaths are our poor lives patched up! how full of death is the life of momentary man!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Shepherd's Calendar, 1623
Human life depends on the death of other creatures, highlighting the moral cost of consumption.
In simple terms: We live off the dead.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the sacrifice behind sustenance.
Themes
ethics
interdependence
mortality
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- dining
- farming
- environmental activism
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
ecology
food chain
moral reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How does awareness of this interdependence affect your choices?
- Can we honor these lives through mindful consumption?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the possibility of sustainable or plant‑based alternatives.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
