“Ethically they had arrived at the conclusion that man's supremacy over lower animals meant not that the former should prey upon the latter, but that the higher should protect the lower, and that there should be mutual aid between the two as between man and man. They had also brought out the truth that man eats not for enjoyment but to live.”
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About this quote
Holding power over something weaker turns it into a duty rather than a license: the stronger party's job is to shield the vulnerable, not feed on them. Paired with that is a plain view of appetite — food as fuel for living rather than a pleasure to chase — which keeps the whole relationship honest.
When to use it
- A senior engineer who spends her leverage protecting junior hires instead of piling work on them.
- A dog owner who treats feeding and walks as a responsibility, not a chore to skip when busy.
- Someone who eats simple, steady meals to stay healthy rather than chasing every craving.