Animal Quote by Peter Singer
“Habits of thought lead us to brush aside descriptions of cruelty to animals as emotional, for "animal-lovers only"; or if not that, then anyway the problem is so trivial in comparison to the problems of human beings that no sensible person could give it time and attention. This too is a prejudice - for how can one know that a problem is trivial until one has taken the time to examine its extent?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Animal Liberation, 1975
We dismiss animal cruelty as trivial, yet we cannot judge a problem’s importance without examining it fully.
In simple terms: Ignoring animal suffering is a prejudice.
Key Takeaway
Investigate all suffering before deeming it trivial.
Themes
ethics
prejudice
animal rights
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- dietary choices
- legislation
- activism
- education programs
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
speciesism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess the significance of suffering?
- What steps can you take to address overlooked issues?
A Different Perspective
Convenient biases hinder moral progress.
![“Nineteen thousand children [are] dying every day. Does it really matter that we're not walking past them in the street? Does it really matter that they're far away? I don't think it does make a morally relevant difference.” quote by Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc1/peter-singer-1001_children_nineteen-thousand-children-are-dying-eve_33961.jpg)
