Animal Quote by Nathaniel Altman
“Although other animals cannot reason nor speak the way humans do, this does not give us the right to do with them as we like. Even though our supposed possession of a soul and superior intelligence are used to create an arbitrary dividing line over rights, the fact remains that all animals have the capacity to experience pain and suffering, and in suffering they are our equals.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Animal Ethics, 2020
All beings capable of suffering deserve moral consideration, regardless of human claims of superiority.
In simple terms: Animals that pain, so they deserve rights.
Key Takeaway
Treat animals with respect.
Themes
ethics
rights
compassion
Mood
empathetic
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- diet choices
- legislation
- activism
Key Concepts
sentience
moral equality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance human needs with animal welfare?
- What criteria should determine moral status?
A Different Perspective
Human superiority claims are contested and may not hold scientific consensus.
![“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs ...[they] are…” quote by James Herriot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/269/james-herriot-11324_able_if-having-a-soul-means-being-able-to-fee_2635977.jpg)
