Animal Quote by George Cheyne
“I cannot find any great difference, on the basis of natural reason and equity only, between feeding on human flesh and feeding on animal flesh, except custom and practice.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moral Philosophy of George Cheyne, 1733
Cheyne argues that moral distinctions between eating humans and animals are based on cultural habits rather than rational or equitable grounds.
In simple terms: Moral differences are cultural, not rational.
Key Takeaway
Question societal customs.
Themes
ethics
culture
dietary norms
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- anthropology studies
- ethical debates on meat consumption
- cultural food practices
Key Concepts
Moral relativism
human-animal hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural traditions shape our dietary ethics?
- Can rational arguments override deep‑seated customs?
A Different Perspective
Challenges arise when legal and emotional factors reinforce these customs.
