Animal Quote by Jon Wynne-Tyson
“... the only argument against vivisection that will be seen to have lasting power - that we do not improve human society by means that debase human character.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Animal Rights and Human Character, Jon Wynne-Tyson, 1975
Improving society must not compromise moral integrity; actions that degrade human character cannot be justified even for progress.
In simple terms: Progress must preserve moral character.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize ethical means over ends.
Themes
ethics
human dignity
animal rights
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- scientific research
- activism
- education
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
integrity
societal progress
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions degrade our character while claiming progress?
- Can ends ever justify means that harm humanity?
A Different Perspective
Moral compromise can be rationalized under pressure.
![“I had bought two male chimps from a primate colony in Holland. They lived next to each other in separate cages for several months before I used one as a [heart] donor. When we put him to sleep in his cage in preparation for the operation, he chattered and cried incessantly. We attached no…” quote by Christiaan Barnard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3b9/christiaan-barnard-39607_animal_i-had-bought-two-male-chimps-from-a-prim_126559.jpg)
![“[I]t is difficult to picture the great Creator conceiving of a program of one creature (which He has made) using another living creature for purposes of experimentation. There must be other, less cruel ways of obtaining knowledge.” quote by Adlai Stevenson I](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7e7/adlai-stevenson-i-27724_animal_i-t-is-difficult-to-picture-the-great-cr_2387254.jpg)
