George Bernard Shaw, the renowned playwright and critic, is known for his sharp wit and profound social commentary. One of his famous quotes about engaging in pointless arguments is, “Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it.” This aphorism encapsulates Shaw’s view on the futility of engaging in debates with those who revel in baseness and ignorance, suggesting that such engagements only drag you down to their level without achieving anything constructive.
Specieism
Specieism is a term coined by British psychologist Richard D. Ryder in the 1970s, which refers to the discrimination against or exploitation of certain species by humans, based on the belief that humans are superior to other animals. This ideology justifies the unequal treatment and consideration of different species, leading to practices such as factory farming, animal testing, and habitat destruction.
Shaw’s Potential Views on Specieism
Although Shaw did not explicitly address specieism using contemporary terminology, his works and personal philosophy suggest that he would likely have been critical of it. Shaw was a vocal advocate for vegetarianism and animal rights, believing in the moral consideration of animals. His play “Pygmalion,” while not directly related to animal rights, reflects his broader themes of challenging societal norms and advocating for the underrepresented or oppressed.
Integrating Shaw’s Quote with Specieism
Applying Shaw’s famous quote about pig wrestling to the concept of specieism can yield an insightful perspective. Arguing against entrenched beliefs of human superiority over other species might often feel like “wrestling with pigs,” where those who hold onto specieist views might not be easily swayed and could revel in their justifications. However, Shaw’s advocacy for critical thought and moral consideration implies that, despite the challenges, striving for justice and equality—whether among humans or between species—is a worthy endeavor, even if it means getting metaphorically “dirty” in the process.
In essence, combining Shaw’s wit with the principles against specieism underscores the importance of challenging ingrained prejudices and advocating for ethical treatment of all sentient beings, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition.
A spiritual Ishmaelite 