One rarely avoids animal products to aspire to sainthood, but it may be true that saintliness is impossible to discuss without first cleansing the body and mind of needless suffering of sentient beings.
I don’t have any problem with your way of life. I respect your point of view. You are entitled to your opinion, and I am entitled to mine.
Instead of a philosophy and way of life that seeks to avoid the exploitation of nonhuman animals, veganism is viewed by many as a fad diet now – and often as one that allows the occasional consumption of products derived from other animals.
Shifting away from the common belief that other animals are renewable resources will lead to a new perception that recognizes animals as the conscious, feeling, innocent individuals they are.
Prescribed by sages throughout history as the most effective way to temper the bestial nature in man, taking the vow of Ahimsa means resolving to refrain from causing any harm to any living creature.
(written by Gary L. Francione) We must be clear that veganism is the unequivocal baseline of anything that deserves to be called an “animal rights” movement. If “animal rights” means anything, it means that we cannot morally justifyany animal exploitation; we cannot justify treating animals as human resources, however “humane” that treatment may be.
As you travel to new places as a vegan, a bit of planning and forethought can help you overcome the small inconveniences you may encounter.
When we make a sincere and honest effort to place ourselves in the position of another sentient being, it is very easy to see why we should respect their lives, regardless of their species or any other characteristics they possess. Like us, they want to be happy, healthy, free from harm, and to enjoy the most precious thing they have: life itself.
As we, the people, occupy cities and institutions all over the world to protest injustice, it may be a good time to ask ourselves if we are in any way perpetrating the very injustices we are opposing.
(written by Gary L. Francione) I maintain that those who believe that animals are members of the moral community should make clear that veganism, defined as not eating, wearing, or using animals, is the non-negotiable, unequivocal moral baseline and should put their labor and resources into grassroots vegan education.
