there are a few different motivations for this ethical yardstick, but the primary one for me is that intelligent beings have a higher chance of contributing positively to the world, not only paying for their existence but adding surplus value

intelligence is rare in the universe

so if there is a budding species right in our own backyard, I'd like to do my best to nurture it, potentially expedite its journey to self-awareness

remember that we are in a race against heat death, and the more intelligent minds there are, the better our chances of beating it

I still eat takoyaki occasionally, if someone at the table has ordered it, bc it would just be rather silly not to

but I do try to avoid causing marginal octopus mortality

squid idc about tbh, they're dumb af
cuttlefish don't seem intelligent but they're utterly fascinating

I do encourage y'all to consider the alignment between your ethical ideals and culinary actions; I'm not here to judge anyone for eating meat, but even if you choose not to make any chances, you may gain a deeper connection with and appreciation for the lives which feed your own

make any changes**