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We can't plead ignorance, only indifference. Those alive today are the generations that came to know better. We have the burden and the opportunity of living in the moment when the critique of factory farming broke into the popular consciousness. We are the ones of whom it will be fairly asked, What did you do when you learned the truth about eating animals?
Jonathan Safran Foer
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes our responsibility to act upon knowledge rather than remain indifferent.

Jonathan Safran Foer's quote challenges us to confront our awareness of ethical issues related to factory farming and animal consumption. It asserts that with greater knowledge comes the responsibility to act, urging individuals to reflect on their choices and the impact those choices have on the world, particularly regarding the treatment of animals. Foer posits that ignorance is no longer an acceptable excuse; instead, we must grapple with our indifference to these issues and decide how we will respond to the truth of our actions.

Themes

ResponsibilityKnowledgeIndifferenceFactory FarmingAnimal RightsEthics

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a speech about animal rights to encourage activism.

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