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Eating animals Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“Whatever my own practice may be, I have no doubt that it is part of the destiny of the human race, in its gradual improvement, to leave off eating animals, as surely as the savage tribes have left off eating each other when they came in contact with the more civilized.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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““Whatever my own practice may be, I have no doubt that it is part of the destiny of the human race, in its gradual improvement, to leave off eating animals, as surely as the savage tribes have left off eating each other when they came in contact with the more civilized.””

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

Source Essay: “Civil Disobedience,” 1849

He predicts humanity will eventually stop eating animals as societies evolve, similar to how savage tribes stopped cannibalism when encountering civilization.

In simple terms: Future societies may abandon meat eating.

Key Takeaway

Consider ethical food choices.

Themes

ethics evolution civilization

Mood

thoughtful hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • dietary decisions
  • policy advocacy
  • education

Key Concepts

environmental ethics anthropology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Will technological advances affect this shift?
  • What moral arguments are most persuasive?
A Different Perspective

Cultural resistance may slow change.

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