Butchers Quote by William Edward Hartpole Lecky
“I venture to maintain that there are multitudes to whom the necessity of discharging the duties of a butcher would be so inexpressibly painful and revolting, that if they could obtain a flesh diet on no other condition, they would relinquish it forever.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on Moral Philosophy, 1885
He argues that the moral repugnance of killing is so profound that even a necessary diet of meat would be rejected if a humane alternative existed.
In simple terms: Moral revulsion can outweigh survival needs.
Key Takeaway
Consider humane alternatives.
Themes
ethics
diet
animal rights
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- culinary choices
- ethical debates
- policy making
- personal diet
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
cognitive dissonance
compassion
Questions to Reflect On
- Would you change your diet for ethical reasons?
- How do societies justify meat consumption?
A Different Perspective
Cultural norms may resist change despite moral arguments.
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