These sages declared that, in mind and understanding, there was no wide gulf between any of the living species endowed with blood and breath.

According to Lieh Tzu, the ancient sages extended their care to all beings and knew how to get along even with animals, for living beings resemble each other more than they differ. Today, before a being very different from you, human or animal, look first for what you have in common and approach it gently.