Ethical Quote by Peter Singer
““In an earlier stage of our development most human groups held to a tribal ethic. Members of the tribe were protected, but people of other tribes could be robbed or killed as one pleased. Gradually the circle of protection expanded, but as recently as 150 years ago we did not include blacks. So African human beings could be captured, shipped to America, and sold. In Australia white settlers regarded Aborigines as a pest and hunted them down, much as kangaroos are hunted down today. Just as we have progressed beyond the blatantly racist ethic of the era of slavery and colonialism, so we must now progress beyond the speciesist ethic of the era of factory farming, of the use of animals as mere research tools, of whaling, seal hunting, kangaroo slaughter, and the destruction of wilderness. We must take the final step in expanding the circle of ethics. -””
About This Quote
Source Book: Animal Liberation by Peter Singer, 1975
Human moral circles have historically expanded from tribe to race, and now must include non‑human animals, rejecting speciesist exploitation.
In simple terms: We should extend moral concern to all sentient beings.
Key Takeaway
Broaden ethical consideration to include animals.
Themes
ethics
animal rights
expansion of moral circle
speciesism
historical progress
Mood
reflective
determined
hopeful
Type
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy advocacy
- personal lifestyle changes
- educational outreach
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
sentience
rights theory
social evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance animal welfare with economic needs?
- What steps can individuals take to reduce speciesist practices?
A Different Perspective
Expanding protection may conflict with cultural traditions and economic interests.
![“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)
