"These properties of animals, wherever they are found, must, I think, be referred to design; because there is, in all cases of the first, and in most cases of the second, an express and distinct organization provided for the producing of them ... the fangs of vipers, the stings of wasps and scorpions, are as clearly intended for their purpose, as any animal structure is for any purpose the most incontestably beneficial. And the same thing must ... be acknowledged of the talons and beaks of birds, of the tusks, teeth, and claws of beasts of prey, of the shark's mouth, of the spider's web, and of numberless weapons of offence belonging to different tribes of voracious insects. We cannot, therefore, avoid the difficulty by saying, that the effect was not intended. The only question open to us is, whether it be ultimately evil. From the confessed and felt imperfection of our knowledge, we ought to presume, that there may be consequences of this economy which are hidden from us: from the benevolence which pervades the general designs of nature, we ought also to presume, that these consequences, if they could enter into our calculation, would turn the balance on the favorable side."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
William Paley, Natural Theology (1879) [1802], p. 259
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Wild_animal_suffering
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
William Paley
William Paley (July 1743 – 25 May 1805) was a British Christian apologist, philosopher, and utilitarian.
24 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by William Paley →
Related Quotes
"[T]he system of destruction amongst animals holds an express relation to the system of fecundity; that they are parts…"
"These are the natures appropriated to the situation. Let [the wild beasts] enjoy their existence; let them have their…"
"But then this superfecundity, though of great occasional use and importance, exceeds the ordinary capacity of nature …"
"[T]he subject ... of animals devouring one another, forms the chief, if not the only instance, in the works of the De…"
"Now, according to the established order of Nature, (which we must suppose to prevail, or we cannot reason at all upon…"
"[E]lections to the supreme power having upon some occasions produced the most destructive contentions, many states wo…"
"Government, at first, was either patriarchal or military; that of a parent over his family, or of a commander over hi…"
"Some excuse seems necessary for the pain and loss which we occasion to brutes, by restraining them of their liberty, …"
"In crossing a heath, suppose I pitched my foot against a stone and were asked how the stone came to be there, I might…"
"The great revolution which has taken place in the Western World may probably conduce (and who knows but that it was d…"