QuoteProject
We don't let animals suffer, so why humans?
Stephen Hawking
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote challenges the ethical treatment of humans compared to animals, highlighting a disparity in empathy.

Stephen Hawking's quote emphasizes the moral obligation to prevent suffering, not just in animals but also in humans. It urges society to recognize that if we advocate against cruelty to animals, we should apply the same compassion and consideration to human beings, promoting a more humane and just world.

Themes

CompassionSufferingEthicsHumansAnimals

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about animal rights, this quote can be used to highlight the need for empathy towards humans as well.

More from Stephen Hawking

We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet.
Stephen HawkingRead
I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.
Stephen HawkingRead
It surprises me how disinterested we are today about things like physics, space, the universe and philosophy of our existence, our purpose, our final destination. Its a crazy world out there. Be curious.
Stephen HawkingRead
I was not a good student. I did not spend much time at college; I was too busy enjoying myself.
Stephen HawkingRead
The world has changed far more in the past 100 years than in any other century in history. The reason is not political or economic but technological-technologies that flowed directly from advances in basic science. Clearly, no scientist better represents those advances than Albert Einstein: TIME's Person of the Century.
Stephen HawkingRead
In my opinion, there is no aspect of reality beyond the reach of the human mind.
Stephen HawkingRead

Similar quotes

But would we know, whether the pretended prophet had really attained a just sentiment of morals? Let us attend to his narration; and we shall soon find, that he bestows praise on such instances of treachery, inhumanity, cruelty, revenge, bigotry, as are utterly incompatible with civilized society. No steady rule of right seems there to be attended to; and every action is blamed or praised, so far only as it is beneficial or hurtful to the true believers.
David HumeRead
On this narrow planet, we have only the choice between two unknown worlds. One of them tempts us - ah! what a dream, to live in that! - the other stifles us at the first breath.
Sidonie Gabrielle ColetteRead
Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty, and supped with infamy.
Benjamin FranklinRead
I am jealous of everything whose beauty does not die. I am jealous of the portrait you have painted of me. Why should it keep what I must lose? Every moment that passes takes something from me and gives something to it. Oh, if it were only the other way! If the picture could change, and I could be always what I am now! Why did you paint it? It will mock me some dayβ€”mock me horribly!
Oscar WildeRead
To wonder about life is not something we learn; it is something we forget.
Jostein GaarderRead
I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.
Abraham LincolnRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.