To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Compared with that of Taoists and Far Eastern Buddhists, the Christian attitude toward Nature has been curiously insensitive and often downright domineering and violent. Taking their cue from an unfortunate remark in Genesis, Catholic moralists have regarded animals as mere things which men do right to regard for their own ends. . . .
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the Christian perspective on nature, highlighting its insensitivity compared to Eastern philosophies.
Aldous Huxley discusses how the Christian view of nature tends to be exploitative, contrasting it with the more harmonious relationship that Taoists and Far Eastern Buddhists have with the natural world. He points out that the Christian doctrine, influenced by Genesis, often devalues animals and nature, treating them as resources for human use rather than as integral parts of a delicate ecosystem deserving respect and care.
Themes
NaturePhilosophyChristianityEnvironmentBuddhism
In practice
Example use cases
In an environmental conference discussing the ethical treatment of nature.
More from Aldous Huxley
All quotes →Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
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In the course of history many more people have died for their drink and their dope than have died for their religion or their country.
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On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.
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No man ever dared to manifest his boredom so insolently as does a Siamese tomcat when he yawns in the face of his amorously importunate wife.
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The leech's kiss, the squid's embrace, The prurient ape's defiling touch: And do you like the human race? No, not much.
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