Animal Quote by Sharon Gannon
“It has been an obsession of human beings to create a hierarchy that places the human species on top and lumps all the "other animals" together beneath us. The resulting "speciesism" allows us to look upon animals as less deserving of all manner of rights and considerations than humans. To support this lower status, humans have argued that animals act instinctually; don't have souls; don't feel physical pain like we do; and lack self-consciousness, cognitive intelligence, emotional feelings, morality, and ethics.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Way of the Animal, Sharon Gannon, 2015
Humans create hierarchies that elevate themselves above other animals, justifying exploitation through claims of superiority.
In simple terms: Humans rank themselves above animals, denying animals rights.
Key Takeaway
Question and challenge speciesist assumptions.
Themes
ethics
animal rights
hierarchy
human exceptionalism
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy making
- education
- personal diet choices
Key Concepts
speciesism
moral philosophy
anthropocentrism
Questions to Reflect On
- How would society change if animals were granted equal moral consideration?
- What evidence challenges the view that animals lack self‑consciousness?
A Different Perspective
Animals also possess consciousness and emotions, complicating simple hierarchies.
