Abstract Quote by Margaret Atwood
“All Creatures know that some must die That all the rest may take and eat; Sooner or later, all transform Their blood to wine, their flesh to meat. But Man alone seeks Vengefulness, And writes his abstract Laws on stone; For this false Justice he has made, He tortures limb and crushes bone. Is this the image of a god? My tooth for yours, your eye for mine? Oh, if Revenge did move the stars Instead of Love, they would not shine.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Other Death" by Margaret Atwood, 1995
The poem contrasts natural cycles of death and consumption with humanity’s artificial, vengeful justice that causes suffering.
In simple terms: Nature’s death is natural; human revenge is cruel.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reject cycles of of.
Themes
nature
death
justice
revenge
humanity
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- legal reform
- personal conflict
- war
- social activism
Key Concepts
ecology
ethics
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What cycles of revenge exist in your life?
- How can compassion replace retribution?
A Different Perspective
Human law often amplifies violence rather than resolves it.
