Only within the moment of time represented by the present century has one species -- man -- acquired significant power to alter the nature of the world.
Rachel CarsonRead
Until we have courage to recognize cruelty for what it is - whether its victim is human or animal - we cannot expect things to be much better in the world. There can be no double standard. We cannot have peace among men whose hearts find delight in killing any living creature. By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing, we set back the progress of humanity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Recognizing and confronting cruelty is vital for improving the world and humanity.
This quote emphasizes the importance of courage in acknowledging and addressing cruelty towards all beings, whether human or animal. It suggests that a true moral standard cannot be selective; to promote peace and progress in humanity, we must reject any form of violence against living creatures and work towards a more compassionate world.
Themes
CourageCrueltyHumanityCompassionPeace
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about animal rights, one could cite this quote to advocate for compassionate treatment of all living beings.
More from Rachel Carson
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Why should we tolerate a diet of weak poisons, a home in insipid surroundings, a circle of acquaintances who are not quite our enemies, the noise of motors with just enough relief to prevent insanity? Who would want to live in a world which is just not quite fatal?
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To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of years, to see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea, is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.
Rachel CarsonRead
We cannot have peace among men whose hearts find delight in killing any living creature.
Rachel CarsonRead
The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.
Rachel CarsonRead
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