“We Are Not Horses. We Are Humans”: What Squid Game Taught Us About Humanity, Greed, and the Modern World

“We are not horses. We are humans, and humans are...” — these words shook audiences when spoken by Ali Abdul, a beloved character in the global Netflix phenomenon Squid Game. Though deceptively simple, this powerful quote carries heavy emotional weight and serves as a mirror to the social inequalities of our world. In this article, we explore the depth of this statement, the character who said it, and the larger philosophical messages that Squid Game offers about humanity, capitalism, and morality.

Who Said It and When?

The quote is spoken by Ali Abdul, a Pakistani migrant worker in South Korea, played by Indian actor Anupam Tripathi. Ali is one of the 456 desperate individuals who join the brutal survival games in an effort to win ₩45.6 billion (approximately $38 million USD).

Ali says these words during a moment of moral and emotional intensity when players are treated like expendable game pieces. His statement, “We are not horses. We are humans,” stands as a protest against the inhumane conditions and ruthless competition of the games.

The Context: Humanity vs. Capitalism

To understand the full significance of Ali’s words, we must look at the central theme of Squid Game — a haunting critique of modern capitalist society.

In the game, players are pushed to betray, manipulate, or even kill each other to survive. The masked VIPs watch from luxury boxes, betting on human lives for entertainment. In this dystopian setting, Ali’s cry for humanity is a rare voice of morality in a world reduced to transactions.

Why Ali’s Statement Resonated Globally

Ali’s character represents millions of people who are marginalized in global systems — migrants, workers, and the economically vulnerable. His statement echoes the real-world pain of those exploited for labor, living in fear of deportation, or working without rights or recognition.

In a world where economic systems often ignore basic human needs, Ali’s declaration is a revolutionary act — a reclaiming of identity and value. It resonates not just in Korea, but across borders, cultures, and languages.

A Reflection of Real-World Inequality

Squid Game didn’t become a global sensation by accident. It spoke to universal truths — debt, desperation, inequality, and injustice. The games are a metaphor for real life, where people are forced to make impossible choices under pressure.

Ali’s statement draws a direct line between the fictional brutality of the game and the real brutality of survival under economic oppression. It's a moment that exposes the emotional and spiritual cost of systems that treat people as tools for profit.

The Irony of Ali’s Fate

Perhaps what makes Ali’s quote even more heart-wrenching is the irony of his ultimate fate. Despite his kindness, loyalty, and morality, he is tragically betrayed by someone he trusted — Cho Sang-woo. This betrayal shows that in a world designed for survival at any cost, goodness often comes with a price.

Ali dies not because he was weak, but because he held on to his humanity — proving just how corrupt the rules of the game (and the world it represents) truly are.

Final Thoughts: What Squid Game Teaches Us About Being Human

“We are not horses. We are humans.” In just a few words, Squid Game reminds us of the moral line between survival and savagery. Ali Abdul’s character may not have survived the game, but his words did. They linger, challenging us to rethink how we treat others in our own society.

The quote speaks louder than violence — it urges us to choose empathy over exploitation, connection over competition, and morality over money.

If you're moved by the humanity in Squid Game, share this article or leave a comment below. Let's keep the conversation going about what it truly means to be human in an inhuman world.