The First Vegans: Pioneers Of Plant-Based Diets

The concept of veganism can be traced back to ancient Indian and west Asian societies. The earliest evidence of vegetarianism dates back over 9,000 years ago to the Indus River Valley Civilisation in modern-day Pakistan, where Hinduism, one of the oldest religions on Earth, is thought to have originated. However, the term 'vegan' was coined much more recently, in 1944, by British woodworker Donald Watson. Watson called a meeting with five other non-dairy vegetarians to discuss their diets and lifestyles, and the group decided to adopt the term 'vegan' to refer to their diet and lifestyle.

The term 'vegan' was coined in 1944 by British woodworker Donald Watson

In November 1944, Watson called a meeting with five other non-dairy vegetarians, including Elsie Shrigley, to discuss their diets and lifestyles. This group of pioneers actively founded a new movement despite facing opposition. They felt that the term "non-dairy vegetarians" was too cumbersome and sought a more concise alternative. They considered options like "dairyban", "vitan", and "benevore" before settling on "vegan". Watson described the term "vegan" as containing the first three and last two letters of "vegetarian", signifying "the beginning and end of vegetarian".

The creation of the term "vegan" was a significant step towards establishing a distinct identity for those adhering to a strict plant-based diet and lifestyle. It provided clarity and unity to a growing movement advocating for animal welfare and ethical consumption. The Vegan Society, founded in 1944, played a crucial role in promoting and spreading awareness of veganism. By the time Watson passed away at the age of 95 in 2005, the impact of his coinage was evident, with 250,000 self-identifying vegans in Britain and 2 million in the United States.

The origins of veganism as a concept and lifestyle can be traced back much further than the coining of the term in 1944. Ancient Indian and eastern Mediterranean societies, including followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, promoted vegetarianism and the avoidance of inflicting pain on animals. The Greek philosopher Pythagoras, as early as 500 BCE, advocated for benevolence among all species and is considered the father of ethical vegetarianism.

The modern wave of veganism, sparked by Watson's coinage, has evolved beyond dietary choices. It encompasses ethical, environmental, and social concerns, with individuals adopting veganism for various reasons, including reducing their carbon footprint, spiritual beliefs, health benefits, and animal liberation. While the movement has gained momentum, it has also faced challenges, such as addressing the socio-economic impact and ensuring intersectionality in its advocacy.

The concept of a vegan diet can be traced back to ancient Indian and West Asian cultures

In addition, Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Jain leader whom historians consider a historical figure, lived in the 9th century BCE and preached nonviolence as strictly as it was practiced in the Jain community during the times of Mahavira in the 6th century BCE. Tirukkural, dated to the late 5th century CE, contains chapters on veganism or moral vegetarianism, emphasizing a non-animal diet, non-harming, and non-killing.

In ancient India, vegetarianism was also connected to the idea of asceticism, as seen in the Vedic period between 1500 and 500 BCE, where although the laws permitted meat consumption, vegetarianism was encouraged. Hinduism provides several foundations for vegetarianism, as the Vedas, the oldest and most sacred texts of Hinduism, assert that all creatures manifest the same life force and therefore merit equal care and compassion. A number of Hindu texts place injunctions against meat-eating, and others like the Ramayana and Mahabharata advocate for a vegetarian diet. In Hinduism, killing a cow is considered a sin. Vegetarianism was, and still is, mandatory for Hindu yogis, and many Vaishnava schools avoid vegetables like onion, garlic, leek, radish, and carrot, as they are considered to have non-saatvik effects on the body.

The concept of a vegan diet can also be traced to West Asian cultures, specifically to ancient Greek and Mediterranean societies. In ancient Greece, the vegetarian diet was called "abstinence from beings with a soul." The earliest reliable evidence for vegetarian theory and practice in Greece dates back to the 6th century BCE, with the Orphics, a religious movement, possibly practicing vegetarianism. The Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras of Samos promoted benevolence among all species, including humans, and it is believed that he followed a vegetarian diet.

Additionally, the followers of Pythagoras, called Pythagoreans, practiced strict vegetarianism, and abstention from meat was a hallmark of the "Pythagorean way of life." Pythagoras also forbade his students from consuming eggs and wearing woollen clothing. Later, in the 5th century BCE, the philosopher Empedocles was a radical advocate of vegetarianism and respect for animals.

The first vegans: Dr William Lambe, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Donald Watson

The concept of a meatless diet has a long history, with the ancient Indians, Greeks, and followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism all advocating for vegetarianism. However, the term 'vegan' and the formation of the first vegan societies can be traced back to just a few individuals in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Dr William Lambe

Dr William Lambe was an English physician and early veganism activist. In 1813, Percy Bysshe Shelley published his book, "A Vindication of Natural Diet", which included excerpts from Lambe's work. In this book, Shelley cites Lambe's views on vegetarianism, including the idea that diseases and immorality arise from mankind's "unnatural habits of life", and that a meatless diet is the best way to maintain health.

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Percy Bysshe Shelley was an English poet and philosopher who wrote extensively on vegetarianism and animal rights. In 1813, he published "A Vindication of Natural Diet", an essay that was first written as part of the notes to "Queen Mab". In this essay, Shelley argued that eating meat was unnatural and that a vegetarian diet was essential for maintaining a healthy and disease-free life. He also used graphic imagery to describe the slaughter of animals and the consumption of their flesh, aiming to excite "intolerable loathing and disgust" in his readers. Shelley practised what he preached, beginning a vegetarian diet himself on 1 March 1812, along with his first wife, Harriet Westbrook.

Donald Watson

Donald Watson (1910-2005) was an English animal rights and veganism advocate who co-founded The Vegan Society in 1944. Watson had a life-long aversion to meat, stemming from witnessing the slaughter of a pig on his uncle's farm as a child. He became a vegetarian at the age of fourteen and gave up dairy products about 18 years later when he learned about the unethical nature of milk production. In the 1940s, Watson, along with his wife, Dorothy, and four friends, founded The Vegan Society in Leicester, England. They chose the word 'vegan' to describe their lifestyle, derived from the first three and last two letters of 'vegetarian'. Watson was motivated by ethical concerns for sentient animals and believed that the exploitation of animals was no different from the exploitation of slaves in past civilisations.

The Vegan Society was founded in 1944/1951

The concept of a vegan diet has been around for thousands of years, with the earliest evidence of vegetarianism dating back over 9,000 years to the Indus River Valley Civilization in modern-day Pakistan. The practice of forgoing meat and other animal products has been observed by various societies throughout history, influenced by religious and cultural beliefs, ethical concerns, and personal choices.

While the term "veganism" was not coined until the 1940s, the idea of avoiding animal products can be traced back to ancient Indian and Mediterranean societies. The Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras of Samos, around 500 BCE, promoted benevolence among all species and is considered the father of ethical vegetarianism.

In the 19th century, Dr. William Lambe and Percy Bysshe Shelley were among the first Europeans to publicly object to eggs and dairy on ethical grounds. However, it was in 1944 that the term "vegan" was first used by British woodworker Donald Watson. Watson, along with five other non-dairy vegetarians, founded The Vegan Society to discuss non-dairy vegetarian diets and lifestyles. They chose the word "vegan" to describe their diet and lifestyle, formed from the first three and last two letters of "vegetarian".

The Vegan Society, established in November 1944, marked a significant milestone in the history of veganism. The society's founders felt that a concise and distinct term was needed to differentiate themselves from vegetarians, who still consumed dairy and eggs. The group considered various labels such as "dairyban", "vitan", and "benevore" before settling on "vegan". This new term was intended to signify the beginning and end of vegetarianism, as described by Watson.

The Vegan Society played a pivotal role in promoting and shaping the vegan movement. However, it is important to note that there are conflicting dates regarding the founding year of the society, with some sources stating 1944 and others mentioning 1951. This discrepancy may be due to different interpretations of when the society was officially established or became more widely recognized.

The society's initial focus on dietary choices soon evolved into a broader animal rights advocacy group. Their manifesto underscored the importance of ending the exploitation of animals by humans. Over time, the definition of veganism was refined, and by 1988, a formal definition was established:

> "Veganism is 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; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."

The impact of The Vegan Society extended beyond terminology and definitions. It provided a platform for individuals to connect and share their beliefs, fostering a sense of community among those embracing veganism. The society's newsletter, with its initial 25 subscribers, grew over time, reflecting the increasing interest in veganism.

In conclusion, The Vegan Society, founded in 1944 or 1951, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern vegan movement. It not only introduced the term "vegan" into the mainstream but also provided a framework for understanding and advocating veganism as a lifestyle choice that goes beyond dietary preferences. The society's influence contributed to the growing visibility and acceptance of veganism, paving the way for the diverse and vibrant global community that exists today.

Veganism and social media: how vegan influencers are perpetuating the idea of compassion towards animals

Veganism has evolved from a fringe movement to a mainstream lifestyle choice, with social media playing a pivotal role in its growing popularity. Vegan influencers have emerged as powerful voices, leveraging their online presence to promote a message of compassion towards animals. This shift towards veganism as a social media trend is underpinned by a diverse range of influencers who are reshaping the public perception of veganism and driving a paradigm shift in dietary choices and consumer behaviour.

The Rise of Veganism on Social Media

The term "vegan" was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, a British woodworker and founding member of The Vegan Society, to describe a diet and lifestyle free from all animal products. Watson and his contemporaries laid the philosophical foundation for veganism, advocating for the emancipation of animals from exploitation by man. Over the ensuing decades, veganism remained a niche movement, often associated with counterculture and fringe activism. However, in recent years, it has experienced a remarkable transformation, moving from the margins to the mainstream.

The Influence of Vegan Influencers

Vegan influencers have played a pivotal role in this transformation, leveraging the power of social media to spread their message and build communities of like-minded individuals. These influencers range from celebrity advocates like Ellen DeGeneres and Zac Efron to everyday bloggers and content creators. They utilise platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to share their journeys, recipes, lifestyle tips, and activism. By doing so, they have normalised veganism, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.

Perpetuating Compassion Towards Animals

A key aspect of the vegan influencer movement is the emphasis on animal welfare and compassion. Many influencers share their personal stories of how they transitioned to veganism out of a desire to reduce animal suffering and promote ethical treatment of non-human creatures. For example, Radhi Devlukia, with over 840,000 Instagram followers, adopted veganism to stand against the exploitation of animals for food. Genesis Butler, a 13-year-old animal rights advocate, became one of the youngest TEDx Talk speakers, spreading the message of how veganism can heal the planet. These influencers use their platforms to challenge the notion of human superiority and advocate for the intrinsic value of all life.

Impact and Engagement

Vegan influencers have a significant impact on their followers, with many people seeking inspiration and guidance from these online personalities. They provide a wealth of information, from recipe ideas and product recommendations to lifestyle tips and activism opportunities. The engagement goes both ways, as influencers often interact with their followers, creating a sense of community and shared purpose. This dynamic has contributed to the growth of veganism, as individuals find support and encouragement within these online spaces.

Vegan influencers have played a pivotal role in perpetuating the idea of compassion towards animals and challenging societal norms surrounding dietary choices. By utilising social media, they have amplified their voices, fostered communities, and contributed to a broader cultural shift towards veganism. As veganism continues to gain traction, the influence of these online advocates will likely only grow, further shaping public perceptions and behaviours related to animal welfare, sustainability, and ethical consumption.

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