What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.
We are all victims of the violence that animals suffer... their liberation is also our liberation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The suffering of animals affects us all, and advocating for their freedom is essential for our own. Our liberation is interconnected with the liberation of all sentient beings.
George Bernard Shawβs quote emphasizes the idea that the violence and suffering inflicted upon animals resonate not only in their lives but also in our humanity. It suggests a profound interconnectedness between our lives and the lives of animals, implying that true liberation and moral progress cannot be achieved until we advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. This quote calls us to recognize that the injustices faced by animals reflect broader societal issues, and by working towards their liberation, we simultaneously work towards our own spiritual and ethical freedom.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for animal rights, one might use this quote to emphasize the moral responsibility we share toward all beings.
More from George Bernard Shaw
All quotes βMarriage is good enough for the lower classes: they have facilities for desertion that are denied to us.
Forgive him, for he believes that the customs of his tribe are the laws of nature!
Those who talk most about the blessings of marriage and the constancy of its vows are the very people who declare that if the chain were broken and the prisoners left free to choose, the whole social fabric would fly asunder. You cannot have the argument both ways. If the prisoner is happy, why lock him in? If he is not, why pretend that he is?
Treat a friend as a person who may someday become your enemy; an enemy as a person who may someday become your friend.
The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.
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Our life and our death is with our neighbor. If we gain our brother, we have gained God, but if we scandalize our brother, we have sinned against Christ.
Say not, 'I have found the truth,' but rather, 'I have found a truth.'