Full Idea
I by no means deny that brutes feel, but I do deny that on this account it is unlawful for us to consult our own profit by using them for our own pleasure and treating them as is most convenient for us, inasmuch as they do not agree in nature with us.
Gist of Idea
Animals feel, but that doesn't mean we can't use them for our pleasure and profit
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IV Pr 37)
Book Reference
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.190
A Reaction
Something a bit chilling about this. What if I decided that some people did 'not agree with my nature'? Presumably pleasure includes hunting? What was his attitude to bear-baiting?