Animal Quote by John Robbins
“It takes 16 lbs of grain to make 1 lb of beef. It takes 1 lb of grain to make 1 lb of bread. So, how many more plants are you eating if you eat a pound of beef? Secondly, I've harvested cabbages and pulled up carrots out of the ground and I've been in slaughter-houses and seen the animals have their brains bashed out with sledgehammers and their throats cut - the experiences are not comparable.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Diet for a New America by John Robbins, 1990
Animal agriculture consumes far more plant resources than plant‑based foods, and its methods involve animal suffering.
In simple terms: Beef uses many more plants and causes animal pain.
Key Takeaway
Choose plant foods to reduce resource use and cruelty.
Themes
environment
nutrition
ethics
animal welfare
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
educational
advocacy
When to use this quote
- grocery shopping
- meal planning
- educational campaigns
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
resource efficiency
food chain
sustainability
Questions to Reflect On
- How many plants could you save by swapping one beef meal?
- What barriers stop you from eating more plant‑based meals?
A Different Perspective
Plant foods still require land and water; cultural habits may resist change.
