"Mankind's true moral test, its fundamental test (which lies deeply buried from view), consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals. And in this respect mankind has suffered a fundamental debacle, a debacle so fundamental that all others stem from it"

This quote by Milan Kundera speaks with the moral test of humanity, which is typically hidden from view. This test is based upon our attitude towards animals, who are at our grace. Kundera recommends that mankind has failed this test, which this failure is so fundamental that all other failures stem from it. This implies that if we have the ability to pass this moral test, then all other ethical tests will be simpler to pass. Kundera is recommending that our attitude towards animals is a reflection of our morality, and that if we are able to deal with animals with regard and compassion, then we will be able to pass other ethical tests. This quote is a suggestion that our mindset towards animals is a reflection of our morality, which if we are able to treat animals with regard and generosity, then we will have the ability to pass other ethical tests.