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Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
Sri Aurobindo
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the equality of all living beings, suggesting that perceived differences are human constructs.

Sri Aurobindo's quote reflects a deep philosophical perspective on the nature of life, asserting that all forms of life—be it a cat, a dog, or a human—possess intrinsic value and are fundamentally equal. He argues that the distinctions we make between different species are merely human inventions used for our own benefit, rather than reflections of any true hierarchy or worth. This thought invites us to reconsider our relationship with other living beings and to recognize the shared essence of all life.

Themes

LifeEqualityPhilosophyHuman ConceptionNature

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about animal rights, one might quote this to stress the importance of seeing all life as equal.

More from Sri Aurobindo

To listen to some devout people, one would imagine that God never laughs.
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Indian religion has always felt that since the minds, the temperaments and the intellectual affinities of men are unlimited in their variety, a perfect liberty of thought and of worship must be allowed to the individual in his approach to the Infinite.
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Be conscious first of thyself within, then think and act. All living thought is a world in preparation; all real act is a thought manifested. The material world exists because an idea began to play in divine self–consciousness.
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Evolution is not finished; reason is not the last word nor the reasoning animal the supreme figure of Nature. As man emerged out of the animal, so out of man the superman emerges.
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Impossibility is only a sum of greater unrealised possibles. It veils an advanced stage and a yet unaccomplished journey.
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If it be true that spirit is involved in Matter and apparent Nature is secret God, then the manifestation in the divine in himself and the realization of God within and without are the highest and most legitimate aim possible to man on earth.
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