“We do not exploit our dolphins for profit.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“We do not exploit our dolphins for profit.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Fidel Castro’s emphasis on ethical responsibility toward nature, using the specific example of dolphins to symbolize a broader rejection of capitalist exploitation, even in the realm of animal life and tourism. By stating that “we do not exploit our dolphins for profit,” Castro contrasts Cuba’s approach to wildlife and environmental stewardship with what he viewed as the commercial excesses of profit-driven societies, particularly those in the West. It is both a literal defense of animal welfare and a metaphorical stance against treating living beings as economic commodities.
Historically, Cuba has promoted eco-tourism and conservationist policies, often as part of its ideological narrative that socialist values prioritize balance with nature and public good over private gain. In this context, dolphins represent not just animals in captivity, but a line that socialist ethics are unwilling to cross for monetary gain. Castro’s words elevate a seemingly small detail into a symbol of moral and ideological difference between Cuba and capitalist systems that, in his view, place profit above life and dignity.
In today’s world, the quote resonates amid growing concern over animal rights, ecological preservation, and sustainable tourism. It speaks to a wider demand for ethical standards in economic activity, especially in sectors like entertainment, agriculture, and travel. Castro’s declaration serves as a reminder that how a society treats its most vulnerable—whether people, animals, or ecosystems—reveals its true values, and that profit must never override principle.
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