Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.

Samuel Butler quote explanation

This quote reflects on a distinctive aspect of human behavior, emphasizing the ability of humans to maintain friendly or non-hostile relationships with the animals they intend to consume until the moment of consumption. Let’s break down the quote:

1. “Man is the only animal”: This phrase establishes the uniqueness of human behavior in this context. It suggests that among all the animal species, humans exhibit a specific characteristic.
2. “that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat”: The quote observes that humans have the capacity to interact amicably or peacefully with the animals they intend to consume as food. Unlike many predators in the animal kingdom that may exhibit aggressive behavior toward their prey, humans can establish relationships with domesticated animals or those raised for food production.
3. “until he eats them”: This part highlights the paradox in human behavior. Despite the initial friendliness or non-hostile interactions with animals, the relationship changes drastically when humans decide to consume them for food. The act of eating the animals involves a shift from a friendly or neutral state to one where they are treated as a source of sustenance.

In essence, the quote points out a unique aspect of human-animal relationships. It raises questions about the complex dynamics between humans and the animals they raise for food, emphasizing the ability of humans to compartmentalize their feelings or interactions with animals until the moment of consumption. It invites reflection on the ethical considerations and psychological aspects of how humans relate to the animals they ultimately consume for sustenance.