The greatest, most important thing a human being ever does, is to see. To see fully and clearly ; and therefore to understand, is the single greatest aspect of being human and being alive. We all live on this planet and we all inherit the earth that others leave behind. By thinking about these issues, it is likely that we become more closely attached to other living organisms and even inanimate objects which constitute habitat or carry sheer intrinsic aesthetic value.

We believe that animals and birds count. Trees count. Rocks count. But all too often we live as if future generations do not count. What will happen if people in the future inherit the mess we leave behind when our time on earth is up? We need to share our lessons with each other, for what people learn will influence how they act and think. It is important to encourage everyone to explore the ways non-humans live, important for all of us to want animals’ lives to be the best they can, and important for you to ask questions and improve how humans treat other animals.

It is important to know that steaks were once cows and buffalos; that bacon was once a live pig, that chickens and fish are social animals and have families just like humans. All of these “dumb” (?) animals were once another’s child, brother, sister, parent. They had lives that were ended so that people could eat them. They were removed from their families, confined in terrible conditions, and killed, suffering all the way. Not one of them wanted to die. Teaching and practicing tolerance unquestionably are good habits to incorporate into our lives.

And our duty as “The Moral Animal”. When human populations show explosive growth all other life, nature suffers or dies. Humans are constantly making decisions for numerous animals. We count, because we are their voice. As the Dr. Jane Goodall says : “The least I can do is to speak out for the hundreds of animals who right now, sit hunched, miserable and without hope, staring out with dead eyes from metal prisons. They cannot speak for themselves.” Because of our dominant position in the world, because we can freely speak and express our opinions about animals, (who do not have any say in the matter), it might seem as if animals exist for humans to use in any way we want. That is not how it should be. Let us remember that animals are not mere resources for human consumption. They are splendid beings in their own right, who have evolved along-side us.

From a purely utilitarian perspective, we know that unlike human and economic capital, natural capital is irreplaceable. The biotic and abiotic components underwriting creation are irreplaceable. It has biological limitations: because it is finite like land for instance or because the biological processes for renewal restrict the rate of replenishment. We appreciate that Nature also provides ecosystem services – a forest in addition to wood, provides water storage, habitat, helps in the regulation of weather and has a vital bearing on climate.