Full Idea
An ass is surely not born as an end in itself? No, but because we had need of a back that is able to carry burdens.
Gist of Idea
Asses are born to carry human burdens, not as ends in themselves
Source
Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 2.08.07)
Book Reference
Epictetus: 'The Discourses, The Handbook, Fragments', ed/tr. Gill,C [Everyman 1995], p.90
A Reaction
This is the absurd human exceptionalism which plagues our thinking. It would be somewhat true of animals which are specifically bred for human work, such as large cart horses.