In "Eating Animals," Jonathan Safran Foer discusses how animals, in their suffering, embody the aspects of humanity that we often prefer to ignore. He references Kafka to illustrate this point, suggesting that our attempts to distance ourselves from our primal instincts only lead to a deeper repression of our true nature. The animal bodies we consume serve as a reminder of the parts of ourselves we would rather forget.

Foer emphasizes that this denial of our "animal nature" does not eliminate it; instead, it lingers beneath the surface, surfacing in moments of vulnerability. By acknowledging this connection, we confront our own complexities and the ethical implications of our dietary choices. In doing so, we recognize that our relationship with animals is not just about sustenance, but also about understanding our own identity and existence.