Ancestor Quote by William O. Douglas
“I realized that Eastern thought had somewhat more compassion for all living things. Man was a form of life that in another reincarnation might possibly be a horsefly or a bird of paradise or a deer. So a man of such a faith, looking at animals, might be looking at old friends or ancestors. In the East the wilderness has no evil connotation; it is thought of as an expression of the unity and harmony of the universe.”
About This Quote
Source Opinion: Judicial Lecture, 1962
Eastern philosophy sees all life as interconnected, giving animals sacred kinship.
In simple terms: All life is connected.
Key Takeaway
Respect all living beings.
Themes
interconnectedness
compassion
nature
Mood
contemplative
respectful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- animal rights activism
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Eastern philosophy
animism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing animals as ancestors change behavior?
- What policies reflect this reverence for life?
A Different Perspective
Western views may conflict with this unity concept.
![“Westereners often think that the East is one vast Buddhist temple, which is rather like thinking the West is one vast Carthusian monastery. If the [Western people who like Buddhism] were to visit the East, he'd certainly experience many new things, but he'd find first, that the food is under lock…” quote by Daniel Quinn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/691/daniel-quinn-1786_buddhism_westereners-often-think-that-the-east-is_269299.jpg)
