In "Speaker for the Dead," Orson Scott Card explores the nature of humanity through a critical lens. The quote highlights an intriguing aspect of human perception, suggesting that people often believe that animals feel envy towards them simply because humans possess intelligence and advanced capabilities. This viewpoint underscores a human tendency to anthropomorphize other species, attributing to them human emotions and desires.

The statement serves as a reminder that while humans see themselves as superior beings, their assumptions about the emotions of animals may reveal more about human insecurities. Card encourages readers to reflect on the complexities of existence and the relationships between different life forms, suggesting that such beliefs may be both charming and misguided. Ultimately, this reflects a broader commentary on human nature and our place in the ecosystem.