The first part of this essay considers what humans and animals have in common--and identifies in suffering, musical language and will to live the basic elements of their similar/common condition.
The second part studies what sets humans and animals apart--and identifies in the pursuit of economic profit, in the consumers' demand for meat and in the combination of cruelty / ignorance the sources of immense suffering inflicted on animals.
At the end, a short guide answers the most frequent questions vegetarians and vegans are asked.