In the book "Eating Animals," Jonathan Safran Foer reflects on the gradual decline in ethical practices regarding animal treatment and environmental sustainability. He illustrates a disheartening reality where society inadvertently descends into neglectful behaviors without a clear moment of awareness or action, akin to sliding into a pit without a starting signal.

This metaphor highlights the importance of recognizing the urgency of the issues at hand, emphasizing that the decline wasn't abrupt but a slow collapse of moral responsibility. Foer's observation serves as a call to reflect on our choices and their impacts on the world, urging readers to consider how they can actively engage in more compassionate and sustainable practices.