Humans are the only animals that have children on purpose, keep in touch {or don't}, care about birthdays, waste and lose time, brush their teeth, feel nostalgia, scrub stains, have religions and political parties and laws, wear keepsakes, apologize years after an offense, whisper, fear themselves, interpret dreams, hide their genitalia, shave, bury time capsules, and can choose not to eat something for reasons of conscience. The justifications for eating animals and for not eating them are often identical: we are not them.
The quote highlights the unique traits and behaviors of humans that set us apart from other animals. Humans intentionally have children, value relationships, celebrate birthdays, and engage in various rituals that demonstrate our complexity. Our unique habits, like brushing teeth and feeling nostalgia, reflect our awareness of time and self. The mention of cultural and social constructs, such as religions and political systems, underscores our sophisticated social structures and moral frameworks.
Furthermore, the quote presents a thought-provoking perspective on dietary choices. It points out that the reasons we choose to eat or abstain from eating animals often stem from the same justification: our understanding of 'self' versus 'other.' This distinction raises ethical questions about how we relate to other sentient beings, challenging us to reflect on conscience, empathy, and the choices we make regarding our food. Foer's work encourages a deeper examination of our relationship with animals in the context of our uniquely human traits.
