"When I was old enough to realize all meat was killed, I saw it as an irrational way of using our power, to take a weaker thing and mutilate it. It was like the way bullies would take control of younger kids in the schoolyard"

This quote by River Phoenix speaks with the power dynamics in between human beings and animals. He is comparing the method humans use their power to take a weaker thing, such as an animal, and kill it for food to the method bullies take control of younger kids in the schoolyard. He is recommending that it is an irrational way of utilizing our power, as it is not essential to kill animals for food. He is also suggesting that it is wrong to use our power to take advantage of those weaker than us, whether it be animals or kids. This quote speaks with the concept that we need to utilize our power properly and morally, and not to benefit from those weaker than us. It is a tip that we should bear in mind our power and use it to assist and secure those who are weaker than us, instead of to make the most of them.