Ethical behavior has always been one of the most important questions for humanity because people, unfortunately, tend to overlook the crucial value of their attitudes. Our surroundings are built in a way that requires humans to collaborate and create opportunities for mutual development and peaceful coexistence. Nevertheless, not everyone realizes that ethics are much more important than we tend to perceive them. In relation to the story when my friend Jason and I saved a stray cat, it may be hypothesized that other drivers and their passengers were too focused on their individual objectives and did not seem to care about anyone else on their way to the final destination. This makes me believe that cats, as both animals and possible companions, are always taken too lightly. The lack of ethics in humans makes it hard to spot the good and the bad, leaving animals fending for themselves with no protection or backup from those who are believed to be the most developed and smart creatures on the planet.
When I realized that there was a small kitten alone in the streets, I did not have to think twice to decide that we have to protect it from the exterior threats. This should come naturally if we expect to live in a better world and care for each other as a matter of fact. There is nothing worse than a passer-by, which pretends like they do not see anything even when something really bad is happening around them. Similar to how Franck and Osbeck put it, the boundaries of one’s ethics should never be limited by society and its influence, as it would ultimately lead to anarchy and cruelty (136). As a peaceful witness, I could have moved forward and ignored the kitten, but it was more important for me to protect the balance between the humans and nature and ensure that my friend and I would do whatever was necessary to shield the kitten from so many threats that could have injured or even killed it. Even if cats are not capable of protecting people similarly to dogs, their impact on our everyday lives remains crucial to this day.
The relationship between cats and humans dates back to ancient times when Egyptians, for instance, worshipped cats and believed them to be godlike creatures that deserved to be praised. Nowadays, the majority of stray animals do not get enough love and attention because humanity became too preoccupied with their personal issues. There is nothing wrong with us pursuing certain objectives, but I think we should never forget or overlook the contribution that cats make to our everyday lives. My story shows how a minute of kindness may change the world and lighten up someone’s day at times when they thought it could not get any better. This is why people have to consider ethical literacy when interacting with everything around them on a daily basis. The ultimate objective for humanity should be to develop an environment where people would care for each other and pay more attention to animals, especially those that cannot take care of themselves.
Humans are similar to cats in many ways, but there are too many divergences that make people believe they are at the top of the food chain in this world. Nevertheless, ethical considerations seem too complex to some of us when it comes to learning them and teaching others how one should proceed in a thought-provoking situation (Bayley and Phipps 14). The amount of stress associated with real-life dilemmas often overwhelms us, and sometimes, animals are the only earthly creatures to provide emotional support and stay with humans during the hard times. Cats never ask for anything else in return except for their human love and understanding, even though they may be capricious. There should be a common appreciative view of animals that would protect them from human ethical illiteracy and disregard. There is no way for us to create an empathetic human society until we collectively continue snubbing animals.
Based on the story that I wrote, I may conclude that we honestly do not deserve cats. One of the stray kittens managed to change my friend’s life in one night. It would leave nothing to the imagination in the case where people could be more cognizant and ethically literate. Not only do humans tend to underestimate the effect that cats have on our daily lives, but we also live with an idea of the fact that we might be superior to anything else in the Universe – which is a lie, of course. There is nothing wrong with becoming more empathetic and making sure that animals get the treatment they deserve. My friend made the right decision when he stopped to check on the tiny kitten who pressed itself against the curb in order not to be run over. We all have the possibilities and capabilities to proceed in ways that would protect the ones who are most vulnerable to exterior threats. Human ethics should never be limited by people’s lives, as cats deserve to be saved, sheltered, and treated well.
Works Cited
Bayley, Julie, and David Phipps. “Extending the Concept of Research Impact Literacy: Levels of Literacy, Institutional Role and Ethical Considerations.” Emerald Open Research, vol. 1, no. 14, 2019, p. 14.
Franck, Olof, and Christina Osbeck. “Challenging the Concept of Ethical Literacy within Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): Storytelling as a Method within Sustainability Didactics.” Education 3-13, vol. 46, no. 2, 2018, pp. 133-142.