Select Works of Porphyry

The distinction between us and them animals is similar to that of a foreign state; they belong to a different tribe than ours, and giving them the same rights is dishonorable. For someone who treats animals as if they were men—by sparing them and not harming them—tries to apply the concept of justice to something that cannot support it. In doing so, he both destroys the power of justice and corrupts what is appropriate by introducing something foreign. For it necessarily follows that either we act unjustly by sparing them, or if we spare them and do not utilize them, it will be impossible for us to live. We would also, in a way, live the lives of beasts ourselves if we rejected the utility they are capable of providing.

5. I will not bother to mention the countless multitudes of Nomads and Troglodytes original: "Troglodytæ"; ancient terms for nomadic tribes and cave-dwellers who know no other food than flesh. But for those of us who appear to live gently and with a love for humanity, what work would be left for us on the earth or in the sea? What illustrious art or variety in our food would remain if we conducted ourselves harmlessly and reverently toward animals, as if they were of a kindred nature with us? It would be impossible to designate any work, any medicine, or any remedy for the needs that threaten our lives; we cannot act justly unless we preserve the ancient boundaries and laws.

To fishes, savage beasts, and birds, devoid
Of justice, Jove the Roman name for Zeus, the king of the gods granted that they devour each other;
But justice to mankind he gave. Hesiod, Works and Days, Book I, line 275.

That is, justice toward each other.

6. However, it is not possible for us to act unjustly toward those to whom we have no obligation to act justly. Therefore, for those who reject this reasoning, no other path of justice is left—neither broad nor narrow—that they can enter. As we have already observed, our nature is not self-sufficient but is in need of many things. If we did not use animals, our nature would be entirely destroyed and trapped in a life of extreme difficulty, lacking tools original: "unorganic" and deprived of necessities—