“Human Beasts” and Animals

The first part of this essay considers what humans and animals have in common—and identifies in suffering, musical language and will to live the basic elements of their similar/common condition.
The second part studies what sets humans and animals apart—and identifies in the pursuit of economic profit, in the consumers’ demand for meat and in the combination of cruelty / ignorance the sources of immense suffering inflicted on animals.
At the end, a short guide answers the most frequent questions vegetarians and vegans are asked.