The first man . . . ventured ...

The first man . . . ventured to call food and nourishment the parts that had a little before bellowed and cried, moved and lived. How could his eyes endure the slaughter when throats were slit and hides flayed and limbs torn from limb? How could his nose endure the stench? How was it that the pollution did not turn away his taste, which made contact with the sores of others and sucked juices and serums from mortal wounds?
The first man . . . ventured to call food and nourishment the parts that had a little before bellowed and cried, moved and lived. How could his eyes endure the slaughter when throats were slit and hides flayed and limbs torn from limb? How could his nose endure the stench? How was it that the pollution did not turn away his taste, which made contact with the sores of others and sucked juices and serums from mortal wounds?

Quotes from the same author

Silence at the proper season is wisdom, and better than any speech.
Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.
To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.
I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.
What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.