We can come to look upon the deaths of our enemies with as much regret as we feel for those of our friends, namely, when we miss their existence as witnesses to our success.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead
The assumption that animals are without rights, and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance, is a positively outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the moral obligation humans have towards animals and criticizes the denial of their rights.
Arthur Schopenhauer's quote highlights the deep ethical implications of how society views and treats animals. He argues that dismissing their rights and significance reveals a barbaric aspect of Western civilization. In contrast, he posits that the foundation of true morality lies in universal compassion - an understanding that extends beyond human beings to encompass all sentient beings.
Themes
AnimalsRightsMoralityCompassionEthics
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on animal rights at a conference.
More from Arthur Schopenhauer
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We will gradually become indifferent to what goes on in the minds of other people when we acquire a knowledge of the superficial nature of their thoughts, the narrowness of their views and of the number of their errors. Whoever attaches a lot of value to the opinions of others pays them too much honor.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead
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