---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Answer me, you who believe that animals…"
description: "\"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 ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/voltaire-173_animal_answer-me-you-who-believe-that-animals-a_491516.png"
---

#  Answer me, you who believe that animals are only machines…

![“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?” quote by Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/voltaire-173_animal_answer-me-you-who-believe-that-animals-a_491516.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/voltaire-173_animal_answer-me-you-who-believe-that-animals-a_491516.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/904/voltaire-173_animal_answer-me-you-who-believe-that-animals-a_491516.png)

> “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?”

[Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voltaire/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

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.

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