--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Animals are not our playthings. We are on…" description: "\"Animals are not our playthings. We are on this earth to protect them. It's our duty.\" — River Phoenix" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e9/river-phoenix-11883_animal_animals-are-not-our-playthings-we-are-on_2818945.jpg" --- # Animals are not our playthings. We are on this earth to… ![“Animals are not our playthings. We are on this earth to protect them. It's our duty.” quote by River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e9/river-phoenix-11883_animal_animals-are-not-our-playthings-we-are-on_2818945.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e9/river-phoenix-11883_animal_animals-are-not-our-playthings-we-are-on_2818945.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e9/river-phoenix-11883_animal_animals-are-not-our-playthings-we-are-on_2818945.jpg) > “Animals are not our playthings. We are on this earth to protect them. It's our duty.” [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Animals deserve protection, not exploitation; humans have a moral duty to safeguard them. **In simple terms:** Protect animals, human duty. Key Takeaway Act for animal welfare. Themes environment ethics activism Mood hopeful determined Type advocacy inspirational When to use this quote - legislation - education - community projects Key Concepts moral philosophy conservation Questions to Reflect On - What actions make a difference? - How to inspire others? A Different Perspective Implementation can be difficult. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Animal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal/) [Animals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animals/) [Duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duty/) [Earth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/earth/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) ## Related quotes > [“He had innocents to protect. That was part of his duty.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-c-a-hogarth/he-had-innocents-to-protect-that-was-part-of-his-duty/) [M.C.A. Hogarth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-c-a-hogarth/) > [We have a responsibility to Mother Earth to protect it as much as possible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-studi/we-have-a-responsibility-to-mother-earth-to-protect-it-as-much-as/) [Wes Studi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-studi/) > [To protect this earth is to protect the very spirit of life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/to-protect-this-earth-is-to-protect-the-very-spirit-of-life/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [“Animals are on earth to protect mankind. When you gather a bunch of them together like this, you create a safe haven. Nothing can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-carroll/animals-are-on-earth-to-protect-mankind-when-you-gather-a-bunch-of/) [Jonathan Carroll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-carroll/) > [Humans merely share the Earth. We can only protect the land, not own it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chief-seattle/humans-merely-share-the-earth-we-can-only-protect-the-land-not-own-it/) [Chief Seattle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chief-seattle/) > [Although I can't stop all cruelty to living creatures on the planet, I can be kinder to every living creature in my life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/although-i-can-t-stop-all-cruelty-to-living-creatures-on-the-planet-i/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [In respect of Indonesia, I am determined to be the best possible friend of Indonesia that I can be, consistent with my overriding duty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-abbott/in-respect-of-indonesia-i-am-determined-to-be-the-best-possible/) [Tony Abbott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-abbott/) > [The single most important duty of the federal government is to protect and defend our national sovereignty. There are new and disturbing reports of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-harper/the-single-most-important-duty-of-the-federal-government-is-to/) [Stephen Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-harper/) > [I have a duty to protect the Executive Branch from legislative encroachment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/i-have-a-duty-to-protect-the-executive-branch-from-legislative/) [George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/) > [Over 5,000 years, states have made surprisingly consistent claims about their duties. They have promised to protect people from threats; promote their welfare; deliver…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geoff-mulgan/over-5-000-years-states-have-made-surprisingly-consistent-claims/) [Geoff Mulgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geoff-mulgan/) > [The state has a duty to protect all its citizens.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deeyah-khan/the-state-has-a-duty-to-protect-all-its-citizens/) [Deeyah Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deeyah-khan/) > [It is long overdue for parents to realize they have the right and duty to protect our children against the intolerant evolutionists.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phyllis-schlafly/it-is-long-overdue-for-parents-to-realize-they-have-the-right-and/) [Phyllis Schlafly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phyllis-schlafly/) > [Government being, among other purposes, instituted to protect the consciences of men from oppression, it certainly is the duty of Rulers, not only to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-washington/government-being-among-other-purposes-instituted-to-protect-the/) [George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-washington/) > [Why, I say, that to tax the community for the advantage of a class is not protection; it is plunder, and I entirely disclaim…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-disraeli/why-i-say-that-to-tax-the-community-for-the-advantage-of-a-class-is/) [Benjamin Disraeli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-disraeli/) > [The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is one of the most vicious crimes conceivable, a violation of mankind's most basic duty to protect…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-t-walsh/the-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation-of-children-is-one-of-the-most/) [James T. Walsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-t-walsh/) ## More by River Phoenix > [I've always felt somewhat out of place with other kids my own age", said River. "I was constantly reminded by people's reaction to our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/i-ve-always-felt-somewhat-out-of-place-with-other-kids-my-own-age/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [Although I can't stop all cruelty to living creatures on the planet, I can be kinder to every living creature in my life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/although-i-can-t-stop-all-cruelty-to-living-creatures-on-the-planet-i/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [It's a great feeling to think that I can be a friend to so many people through my movies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/it-s-a-great-feeling-to-think-that-i-can-be-a-friend-to-so-many/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [I really like acting because you can create a character. You can make someone who has never existed before. That's neat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/i-really-like-acting-because-you-can-create-a-character-you-can-make/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [I wouldn't eat a hamburger for 40,000 dollars.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/i-wouldn-t-eat-a-hamburger-for-40-000-dollars/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [Sometimes I wish I wasn't as conscious as I am. It would be so much easier.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/sometimes-i-wish-i-wasn-t-as-conscious-as-i-am-it-would-be-so-much/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [I'm a minor, stupid talent compared to my brother (Joaquin).](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/i-m-a-minor-stupid-talent-compared-to-my-brother-joaquin/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [I don't want to get into the habit of thinking about my career because when it comes down to it, it's not that important.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/i-don-t-want-to-get-into-the-habit-of-thinking-about-my-career/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [Vegetarianism is a link to perfection and peace. But it's a small link. There are lots of other issues: apartheid , vivisection, political prisoners,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/vegetarianism-is-a-link-to-perfection-and-peace-but-it-s-a-small-link/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [I feel that there are great minds up there who would like to see what I can do with an Oscar nomination. I guess…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/i-feel-that-there-are-great-minds-up-there-who-would-like-to-see-what/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [Rich kids gave us their old clothes. They were the best clothes we ever had. We were these very pure, naive, poor children. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/rich-kids-gave-us-their-old-clothes-they-were-the-best-clothes-we/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [We were constantly moving to different countries and adjusting to new things. It was such a free feeling. I'm glad I didn't have a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/we-were-constantly-moving-to-different-countries-and-adjusting-to-new/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [I'd like to play every type of character, but only once. I like to expierence things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/i-d-like-to-play-every-type-of-character-but-only-once-i-like-to/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [I sometimes lie, especially about personal things, because what does it matter? I am a kind of minute commodity. My name is no longer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/i-sometimes-lie-especially-about-personal-things-because-what-does-it/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) > [I did my best work in The Mosquito Coast. I know it wasn't such a big hit, but for me it was more meaningful…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/river-phoenix/i-did-my-best-work-in-the-mosquito-coast-i-know-it-wasn-t-such-a-big/) [River Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) [Explore all 57 River Phoenix quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/river-phoenix/) ## More Animal quotes > [I was 3-years-old - to this day it is a vivid memory. My family and I were on a boat, catching fish. As one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joaquin-phoenix/i-was-3-years-old-to-this-day-it-is-a-vivid-memory-my-family-and-i/) [Joaquin Phoenix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joaquin-phoenix/) > [Animals know nothing of themselves, and they also know nothing of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/animals-know-nothing-of-themselves-and-they-also-know-nothing-of-the/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [Humans are animals too, but some do not like to work from expectations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mak-786/humans-are-animals-too-but-some-do-not-like-to-work-from-expectations/) Mak\_786 > [When grubbing for necessities man is still an animal. He becomes uniquely human when he reaches out for the superfluous and extravagant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-hoffer/when-grubbing-for-necessities-man-is-still-an-animal-he-becomes/) [Eric Hoffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-hoffer/) > [I'm 38 and I'm single, and I'm having my most intense and gratifying relationship with a dog. But we all learn about love in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caroline-knapp/i-m-38-and-i-m-single-and-i-m-having-my-most-intense-and-gratifying/) [Caroline Knapp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caroline-knapp/) > [Practically all animals which move fast in a homogeneous medium have found means of giving their body a streamlined shape, thereby reducing friction to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/konrad-lorenz/practically-all-animals-which-move-fast-in-a-homogeneous-medium-have/) [Konrad Lorenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/konrad-lorenz/) > [A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/a-horse-a-horse-my-kingdom-for-a-horse/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [“it is a federal system of sadistic torture, vivisection, and animal genocide, which has been carried on for decades under the fraudulent guise of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-tobias/it-is-a-federal-system-of-sadistic-torture-vivisection-and-animal/) [Michael Tobias](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-tobias/) > [“What does it mean to be a self-conscious animal? The idea is ludicrous, if it is not monstrous. It means to know that one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-becker/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-self-conscious-animal-the-idea-is-ludicrous/) [Ernest Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-becker/) > [We must love animals in such a powerful way that we should reject to eat them!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/we-must-love-animals-in-such-a-powerful-way-that-we-should-reject-to/) [Mehmet Murat Ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [“The universe contains any amount of horrible ways to be woken up, such as the noise of the mob breaking down the front door,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/the-universe-contains-any-amount-of-horrible-ways-to-be-woken-up-such/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [This brings me back to the image of Kafka standing before a fish in the Berlin aquarium, a fish on which his gaze fell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-safran-foer/this-brings-me-back-to-the-image-of-kafka-standing-before-a-fish-in/) [Jonathan Safran Foer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-safran-foer/) > [That dog, I say that dog is lower than a snake full of buckshot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/foghorn-leghorn/that-dog-i-say-that-dog-is-lower-than-a-snake-full-of-buckshot/) [Foghorn Leghorn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/foghorn-leghorn/) > [I bet plants go like 'Weeeeeeeee!' whenever they're swallowed by a giraffe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-bet-plants-go-like-weeeeeeeee-whenever-they-re-swallowed-by-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Animal rights without veganism is like human rights with slavery. It makes no sense. None whatsoever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-l-francione/animal-rights-without-veganism-is-like-human-rights-with-slavery-it/) [Gary L. Francione](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-l-francione/) [Browse all 13,456 Animal quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Animals are not our playthings. We are on this earth to protect them. 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