“Man is the only animal who causes pain to others with no further purpose”
— Arthur Schopenhauer
Simplified Meaning:
People are unique among animals because they sometimes hurt others without any reason or gain. For example, consider a bully at school who teases smaller kids. Unlike a lion that hunts for food or to protect its territory, the bully gains nothing useful. This behavior is purely cruel and serves no good purpose. People sometimes lie, cheat, or hurt someone just for fun or out of jealousy, unlike animals who act mainly out of instinct. Understanding this can help us realize the importance of being kind and having empathy. Treating others with respect and avoiding pointless cruelty makes the world a better place for everyone.
Related tags
Animal behavior Compassion Cruelty Ethics Existentialism Human nature Morality Philosophy Psychology ViolenceFEATURED QUOTES