When a man wantonly destroys one of the works of man we call him a vandal. When he destroys one of the works of god we call him a sportsman.
How anyone can profess to find animal life interesting and yet take delight in reducing the wonder of any animal to a bloody mass of fur or feathers?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes the contradiction of finding animals fascinating while simultaneously harming them.
Joseph Wood Krutch's quote highlights a deep philosophical concern regarding the inconsistency in human attitudes towards animals. It questions how one can genuinely appreciate the beauty and complexity of animal life while also engaging in acts that reduce them to mere objects of violence and exploitation. The quote prompts reflection on our ethical responsibilities toward animals and the importance of fostering a sense of wonder rather than a willingness to inflict harm.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a presentation on animal ethics and the importance of compassion.
More from Joseph Wood Krutch
All quotes βOnly those within whose own consciousness the sun rise and set, the leaves burgeon and wither, can be said to be aware of what living is.
If people destroy something replaceable made by mankind, they are called vandals; if they destroy something irreplaceable made by God, they are called developers.
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We never fully grasp the import of any true statement until we have a clear notion of what the opposite untrue statement would be.
Corporations aren't people. They have no brains, no consciences, no capacity for intent or guilt.
We were masters of nature, masters of the world. We had forgotten everything--death, fatigue, our natural needs. Stronger than cold or hunger, stronger than the shots and the desire to die, condemned and wandering, mere numbers, we were the only men on earth.
Nobody can have the consolations of religion or philosophy unless he has first experienced their desolations.
It seems important to find ways of reminding ourselves that most 'familiarity' is meditated and delusive.