Expanding The Circle

Historically, man has expanded the boundaries of their ethical scope, as they decrease the ignorance and the need, initially over the family and tribe, later beyond religion, race and nation.

The broader inclusion of animal species in the same framework of ethics, according to the present, normal, way of thinking may seem unthinkable. But one day, maybe after ten or maybe after a hundred years, it will be seen as common standards and requirements of the 'civilized' behavior.

(What Humans Owe to Animals, The Economist, 19/08/1995)

The rights of human goodness, in all its purity and freedom, can come to the fore only when the one who receives it is helpless.

The real moral test of humanity, its fundamental test (which is hidden away from view), consists of attitude towards those that are fully in its mercy: animals.

In this respect mankind has suffered a fundamental defeat, a defeat that is so fundamental that all others stem from defeating him.

(Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, 1984.)

People - who enslave, castrate, experiment on them and turn the fillets to animals - were understandable affinity for pretending that animals do not feel pain. Clear distinction between humans and the 'animal' is essentially important if you intend to submit to his will, make them work for us, wear them, eat them - without any indication of guilt and regret.

It is shameless of us who often behave so insensitive to animals, argued that only humans can suffer. Animal behavior proves that such claims are misleading. Animals are simply to similar to us.

(Dr. Carl Sagan & Dr. Ann Druyan, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, 1992).