Animal Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Notes on the State of Virginia, 1785
Humans uniquely exploit their own species, especially the rich exploiting the poor.
In simple terms: People exploit each other, especially the rich exploit the poor.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge systemic exploitation.
Themes
inequality
exploitation
human nature
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- political policy
- economic reform
- community activism
- education
- advocacy
Key Concepts
capitalism
social hierarchy
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wealth concentration affect social cohesion?
- What can individuals do to reduce exploitation?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook cooperative aspects of human societies.
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![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
