Veganism: What It Really Means to Live a Cruelty-Free Lifestyle
Join us today!
The vegan way of living goes beyond being a mere dietary choice; it's a compassionate philosophy that supports and preserves life, justice, and equality while promoting liberty. The term "vegan," coined by Donald Watson, founder of the U.K. Vegan Society, represents the beginning and end of vegetarianism. Born in 1910, Watson's legacy extends to a lifestyle that seeks to promote compassion, empathy, and kindness towards animals, humans, and the environment.
‘‘Veganism: a compassionate philosophy promoting kindness to animals, humans, and the environment. 'As far as possible and practicable,' it seeks to reduce exploitation, acknowledging the challenges of a non-vegan world.’’
The Vegan Project Global aims to dispel common misconceptions surrounding veganism, emphasizing that it's not just a diet or an extreme way of living. At its core, veganism is a comprehensive way of life grounded in principles that extend beyond personal choices to encompass the broader impact on the world.
The Origins of "Vegan" and Its Core Philosophy
In 1944, Donald Watson and a group of friends sought to articulate their dietary choices. Watson proposed "vegan," a term derived by taking the first three and last two letters of "vegetarian." This marked the inception of a term that has come to define a philosophy and way of living.
The Vegan Society succinctly defines veganism as "a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose." This philosophy extends to promoting the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. In dietary terms, it involves dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.
The Flexibility and Practicality of Veganism
A key phrase in this definition is "as far as is possible and practicable." This reflects the acknowledgment that while vegans strive to eliminate all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, practical considerations may limit complete avoidance. For instance, a vegan might use medication containing animal products if no alternatives exist or may find themselves using a leather seat on public transportation due to limited options.
This phrase underscores the flexibility of veganism in recognizing the challenges presented by a world where animal products are pervasive and often challenging to avoid. The goal is to do as much as possible to reduce animal suffering and exploitation, acknowledging the reality of navigating a non-vegan world.
Why Choose Veganism?
People adopt veganism for various reasons, with the most common ones revolving around concerns about animal welfare, health, and the environment. Vegans believe in treating all animals with kindness and respect, viewing the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose as inherently cruel and unjust. Additionally, they advocate for a plant-based diet, asserting that it is the healthiest option for humans, and they recognize animal agriculture as a leading cause of environmental degradation.
In summary, veganism represents a way of life that aligns with compassion, empathy, and kindness towards animals, humans, and the environment. Grounded in a flexible and practical philosophy, it acknowledges the challenges of eliminating all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty.
For those who are intrigued by veganism, numerous online resources, including the Vegan Society, The Vegan Project Global, Vegan Outreach, Live Be Vegan, and PETA, provide valuable information and support.