When a man confines an animal in a cage, he assumes ownership of that animal. But an animal is an individual; it cannot be owned. When a man tries to own an individual, whether that individual be another man, an animal or even a tree, he suffers the psychic consequences of an unnatural act.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He argues that imprisoning animals—or any individual—implies false ownership, leading to psychological harm for the captor.
- In plain terms
- Owning a living being is wrong and harms the owner.
- What can you take from it?
- Respect autonomy of all beings.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does true ownership mean?
- How can we balance care and autonomy?
Another view
Some forms of stewardship (e.g., pet care) are socially accepted despite ownership language.
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