|
|
Chapter 10 Invertebrate Harmony Invertebrate harmony is the view that we should try to live in harmony with all creatures no matter what their moral status and treat them with respect and compassion. So let us practice animal rights at the lowest level, that of the invertebrate: insects, spiders and other animals without a backbone. Invertebrates make up 99 percent of animal species, are vital to the well-being of the biosphere, and we can learn to appreciate them and the many wonderful things they do. People harm lots of invertebrates for very little reason and often commit the number fallacy: because there are lots of them it does not matter if we kill them (see the entry Number Fallacy). But neither number nor body size determine the value of life. Invertebrates are tiny, but if we are aware of them and practice invertebrate harmony even on a small scale, then we will be more compassionate beings.
On the economic front many invertebrate species directly or indirectly benefit the human economy; it is only a few species that harm it. Moreover, without flower pollination, the churning of the soil and other key functions carried out by our boneless friends, life as we know it would largely cease. Indeed, humanity could not have evolved without the contribution made by invertebrates regulating the biosphere. Here are some suggestions that you can do to start practicing invertebrate harmony.
›› To Entries & Home |