to death and then we would be the ones that were extinct. In my opinion God made humans the head of the food chain, and gave us the superior knowledge and ability to provide for ourselves. While it is unfortunate that the weaker species risk extension, if given the choice I believe that any human would choose his or her own life over that of an animal, and would realize the need to kill that animal in order to survive. Pointing used several quotations throughout the book that help to shine a light on the mood of differing beliefs and views during certain time periods. One quote that would probably be see as the exception to popular opinion of the time, was made by a Jewish thinker Maimonides. He said It should not be believed that all other beings exist for the sake of the existence of man. On the contrary, all other beings, too have been intended for their own sakes, and not for the sake of something else. (Pointing, 145) I think that Maimonides has a point, though man would also be intended for his own sake in which case he will need to provide for himself. Pointing also notes a quotation from the Chief Seattle of the Squamish native American tribe who wrote to the President of the United States the following: ...The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. (Pointing, 153) Man may be merely a strand in the web of the world, but is man any different from any other strand that would have to hunt another strand for survival of its own. Pointing also illustrates ideas about the over population of the world, and the misuse of natural resources. He makes note of the wealthy wasting resources in coherence with the comfortable style of living they have become a custom to, while we have people starving in third world countries that would kill for the food we give our live stalk. I assume he is generally ...
