It is as absurd to argue men, as to torture them, into believing.
John Henry NewmanRead
Now what is it moves our very hearts, and sickens us so much at cruelty shown to poor brutes? I suppose this first, that they have done no harm; next, that they have no power whatever of resistance; it is the cowardice and tyranny of which they are the victims which makes their sufferings so especially touching.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the emotional response elicited by the suffering of defenseless animals and criticizes the cruelty they endure.
In this quote, John Henry Newman expresses a profound sense of empathy towards animals who suffer without the ability to defend themselves. He suggests that the cruelty they face not only stems from their innocence but also highlights the moral cowardice of those who inflict such pain upon beings that cannot resist or fight back. This recognition of their plight calls for a deeper understanding of compassion and humanity's responsibility toward the vulnerable.
Themes
CompassionCrueltyAnimalsEmpathySuffering
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about animal rights, I would refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of compassion towards all living beings.
More from John Henry Newman
All quotes βA cloud of incense was rising on high; the people suddenly all bowed low; what could it mean? The truth flashed on him, fearfully yet sweetly; it was the Blessed Sacrament - it was the Lord Incarnate who was on the altar, who had come to visit and bless his people. It was the Great Presence, which makes a Catholic Church different from every other place in the world; which makes it, as no other place can be - holy.
John Henry NewmanRead
It is seldom we have the heart to throw ourselves, if I may so speak, on the Divine Arm; we dare not trust ourselves on the waters, though Christ bids us. We have not St. Peter's love to ask leave to come to him upon the sea. When we once are filled with that heavenly charity, we can do all things, because we attempt all things - for to attempt is to do.
John Henry NewmanRead
A science is not mere knowledge, it is knowledge which has undergone a process of intellectual digestion. It is the grasp of many things brought together in one, and hence is its power; for, properly speaking, it is Science that is power, not Knowledge.
John Henry NewmanRead
Evil has no substance of its own, but is only the defect, excess, perversion, or corruption of that which has substance.
John Henry NewmanRead
How many writers are there... who, breaking up their subject into details, destroy its life, and defraud us of the whole by their anxiety about the parts.
John Henry NewmanRead
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