Abolition Quote by Matthew Scully
“An author describing the methods of intensive farming, or the excesses of sport hunting, or even the harsher uses of animals in science writes with confidence that most readers will share his sense of concern and indignation. Sounding the call to action-convincing people that change is not only necessary, but actually possible-is more problematic. In protecting animals from cruelty, it is always just one step from the mainstream to the fringe. To condemn the wrong is obvious, to suggest its abolition radical.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Animal Rights and the Ethics of Farming, 2003
The passage argues that advocating for animal welfare is challenging because moving from mainstream concern to radical change is often seen as too extreme.
In simple terms: Advocating for animal rights can be seen as too radical.
Key Takeaway
Balance urgency with pragmatic steps.
Themes
animal welfare
ethics
activism
public perception
radical change
Mood
determined
concerned
Type
persuasive
call to action
When to use this quote
- policy advocacy
- public education
- campaign planning
- media strategy
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social movement theory
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we frame animal welfare reforms to appear both urgent and achievable?
- What strategies bridge mainstream concern and radical action?
A Different Perspective
Change may be resisted if perceived as too extreme, limiting impact.
![“You have not been mistaken in supposing my views and feeling to be in favor of the abolition of war. Of my dispos[i]tion to maintain peace until its condition shall be made less tolerable than that of war itself, the world has had proofs, and more, perhaps, than it has approved. I hope it is…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/77f/thomas-jefferson-43_abolition_you-have-not-been-mistaken-in-supposing_184816.jpg)
