Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself.

Summary

This quote highlights the unique nature of human beings in terms of consumption and production. Unlike animals, humans do not naturally produce resources such as milk or eggs. They lack physical traits that enable them to perform certain tasks like plowing or hunting. However, despite these limitations, humans exert dominance over other animals. They exploit animals for labor, providing them with only enough sustenance to survive while keeping the surplus for their own benefit. This quote draws attention to the power dynamics between humans and animals, emphasizing the unequal distribution of resources and labor.

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