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Do some people tell you it's stupid to care about animals? When these people outnumber you, you may feel really alone. I'm always encouraged when I find a statement about the importance of caring about animals made by someone who is respected by all. We have the real thinkers on our side!In my high school, we read the autobiography of world-famous humanitarian Albert Schweitzer. In it, he said that he could not bear even to step on an insect. I remember thinking, "So I'm not the only one who feels this way!"
Albert Schweitzer also said:
- "The good man is the friend of all living things."
- "Compassion ... embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind."
- "Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace."
- "For all creatures in captivity . . . we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words."
- "The thinking man must oppose all cruel customs no matter how deeply rooted in tradition. . . . We need a boundless ethic which will include the animals, also."
Famous Friends of AnimalsOther well-known thinkers have also expressed respect for animals. Let's build a Thinkers Bank, where we can go to borrow quotes to support our views. If you have one you'd like to contribute, e-mail me!Here's a quote we can start with:
~ Rachel Carson, Pioneer Ecologist ~ Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, the first book on saving the environment, said:"We cannot have peace among men whose hearts delight in killing any living creature."
A Group That Helps AnimalsDisrespect for animals goes on in surprising places -- circuses, zoos, rodeos, pet shops, dog races -- as well as in places you might suspect -- factory farms, fur ranches, product-testing labs. If you'd like to learn what YOU can do to help the animals, you can visit PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Click on the Links button in the menu bar and look for the link to their website. Or, go directly to the website for PETA's youth action group, peta2.