Animal Quote by Gary L. Francione
“We can no more justify using nonhumans as human resources than we can justify human slavery. Animal use and slavery have at least one important point in common: both institutions treat sentient beings exclusively as resources of others. That cannot be justified with respect to humans; it cannot be justified with respect to nonhumans—however “humanely” we treat them.”
About This Quote
Treating sentient beings solely as resources is morally equivalent to slavery, regardless of species.
In simple terms: Using beings only as tools is unjust.
Key Takeaway
Reject exploitation of any sentient life.
Themes
ethics
animal rights
human rights
justice
Mood
ourightful
concerned
Type
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- factory farming
- pet ownership
- research labs
- domestic labor
Key Concepts
sentience
resource exploitation
moral equivalence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance economic needs with moral duties?
- Can we create alternatives that respect sentience?
A Different Perspective
Human societies often rationalize exploitation through economic arguments.
![“[I believe] that animals have a worth in and of themselves, and that they are not inferior to human beings but rather just different from us, and that they really don't exist for us nor do they belong to us...it should not be a question of how they should be treated within the context of their…” quote by Ingrid Newkirk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a9/ingrid-newkirk-3962_animal_i-believe-that-animals-have-a-worth-in-a_2942608.jpg)
![“Even granting that we [humans] face greater harm than laboratory animals presently endure if ... research on these animals is stopped, the animal rights view will not be satisfied with anything less than total abolition.” quote by Tom Regan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/46f/tom-regan-25402_abolition_even-granting-that-we-humans-face-greate_2136684.jpg)
