---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Not only are animals unable to avail…"
description: "\"Not only are animals unable to avail themselves of language to assert their own rights, but many fewer humans have a clear sense of kinship with animal..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d11/gary-steiner-86580_acknowledge_not-only-are-animals-unable-to-avail-the_1604482.jpg"
---

#  Not only are animals unable to avail themselves of…

![“Not only are animals unable to avail themselves of language to assert their own rights, but many fewer humans have a clear sense of kinship with animals than have a clear sense of kinship with other humans. Among beings with subjective states of awareness, animals are the untouchable caste, those…” quote by Gary Steiner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d11/gary-steiner-86580_acknowledge_not-only-are-animals-unable-to-avail-the_1604482.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d11/gary-steiner-86580_acknowledge_not-only-are-animals-unable-to-avail-the_1604482.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d11/gary-steiner-86580_acknowledge_not-only-are-animals-unable-to-avail-the_1604482.jpg)

> “Not only are animals unable to avail themselves of language to assert their own rights, but many fewer humans have a clear sense of kinship with animals than have a clear sense of kinship with other humans. Among beings with subjective states of awareness, animals are the untouchable caste, those whom human others would rather not acknowledge, let alone render assistance.”

Gary Steiner

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

It argues that animals lack language to claim rights, and humans often feel less kinship with animals than with other humans, creating an untouchable class.

**In simple terms:** Animals can't speak for themselves, and humans often ignore them.

Key Takeaway

Recognize animal sentience and extend empathy.

Themes

ethics animal rights human-animal relations

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- animal welfare activism
- policy making
- education curricula

Key Concepts

sentience justice social hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we better understand animal needs?
- What responsibilities arise from shared awareness?

A Different Perspective

The claim may overlook non‑verbal communication.

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[Animal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal/) [Animals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animals/) [Awareness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/awareness/) [Castes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/castes/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Kinship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kinship/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Rights](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rights/) [Untouchables](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/untouchables/)

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