Animal Quote by Voltaire
“Answer me, you who believe that animals are only machines. Has nature arranged for this animal to have all the machinery of feelings only in order for it not to have any at all?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Philosophical Dictionary, 1764
It questions whether animals possess genuine feelings or are merely mechanistic beings, suggesting their emotional capacity may be an illusion.
In simple terms: Animals might be seen as feeling machines without true emotions.
Key Takeaway
Consider the depth of animal consciousness.
Themes
ethics
philosophy
animal rights
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- research on animal cognition
- ethical debates on animal welfare
- education on empathy toward animals
Key Concepts
sentience
mechanism
anthropomorphism
Questions to Reflect On
- Do animals experience emotions like humans?
- How does this view affect our treatment of animals?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook scientific evidence of complex animal emotions.
![“[I believe] that animals have a worth in and of themselves, and that they are not inferior to human beings but rather just different from us, and that they really don't exist for us nor do they belong to us...it should not be a question of how they should be treated within the context of their…” quote by Ingrid Newkirk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a9/ingrid-newkirk-3962_animal_i-believe-that-animals-have-a-worth-in-a_2942608.jpg)
