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It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.
Joaquin Phoenix
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Being kind to animals does not diminish one's humanity.

This quote by Joaquin Phoenix emphasizes the inherent value of kindness towards animals, suggesting that extending compassion to them is a reflection of one's own humanity. It highlights that kindness is not a zero-sum game; being kind to those who are vulnerable, like animals, only enhances our moral character rather than detracts from it.

Themes

KindnessAnimalsCompassionHumanityMoral Progress

In practice

Example use cases

In a talk about animal rights, this quote could serve to inspire compassion among the audience.

More from Joaquin Phoenix

I feel like everything you learn as an actor growing up is wrong. You're supposed to hit your mark, find your light and know your lines. Those are all things that just make things wooden, dull and boring.
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I was 3-years-old - to this day it is a vivid memory. My family and I were on a boat, catching fish. As one fish was caught, he was writhing, then he was thrown against the side of the boat. You couldn't disguise what it was. This was what we did to animals to eat them. The animal went from a living, vibrant creature fighting for life to a violent death. I recognized it, as did my brothers and sisters.
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I don't think one should be comfortable standing on a stage with people applauding and laughing at every stupid thing you say.
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I have this horrible sense of humor where I think discomfort is funny - partly because I experience discomfort a lot, and it's a way of laughing at it and getting a release.
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We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures. And nonhuman animals experience pain sensations just like we do. They too are strong, intelligent, industrious, mobile, and evolutional. They too are capable of growth and adaptation. Like us, firsthand foremost, they are earthlings. And like us, they are surviving. Like us they also seek their own comfort rather than discomfort. And like us they express degrees of emotion. In short like us, they are alive.
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I think the day that I become comfortable doing interviews and going on talk shows is the day that I don't know what it is to be a human being anymore.
Joaquin PhoenixRead

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