“Human life will no longer be regarded with the kind of superstitious awe which it is accorded in traditional thought, and the lives of non-humans will no longer be a matter of indifference. This means that human life will, in a sense, be devalued, while the value granted to non-human life will be increased. A revised view of such matters as suicide and euthanasia, as well as a revised view of how we should treat animals, will result.”
Created from Animals: The Moral Implications of Darwinism (1990), p. 5
Help us to complete the source, original and additional information
James Rachels 6
American philosopher 1941–2003Related quotes

Kulturphilosophie (1923), Vol. 2 : Civilization and Ethics

1980s, First term of office (1981–1985), Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation (1983)

We never take the time to put ourselves in the places of our victims. We never take the trouble to get over into their world, and realise what is happening over there as a result of our doings toward them. It is so much more comfortable not to do so—so much more comfortable to be blind and deaf and insane.
"The Psychology of Altruism", p. 304
The Universal Kinship (1906), The Ethical Kinship

Section 147
The Passionate State Of Mind, and Other Aphorisms (1955)
Context: The only index by which to judge a government or a way of life is by the quality of the people it acts upon. No matter how noble the objectives of a government, if it blurs decency and kindness, cheapens human life, and breeds ill will and suspicion — it is an evil government.
"The Bull-Fight" from Essays from Epilogue (Manchester: Carcanet, 2001)

1980s, First term of office (1981–1985), Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation (1983)

1.9 The Taste of Depravity https://www.hedweb.com/animutop.htm
The Hedonistic Imperative https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/514875 (1995)