Males on an Ego

If we follow the logic set out on sea urchins by Gary Karasik in “A Prickly Question” (Aug. 17), it thus would be perfectly all right to slaughter elephants for their ivory and rhinoceroses for their horns.

This is one of the best examples of the overinflated and chauvinistic human male ego: Only those that respond directly to his own needs could be regarded as worthy of his approval and, presumably, admiration.

Kathleen Sweet

Pasadena