From Ancient Principles to Modern Movement
While the term "veganism" was coined in 1944, the foundational philosophies of ethical and plant-based eating extend far deeper into human history. The modern movement did not appear out of thin air but was built upon centuries, and even millennia, of cultural and philosophical traditions that promoted abstaining from animal products for reasons ranging from spirituality to health and ethical concerns.
The Indus Valley Civilization and the Doctrine of Ahimsa
Some of the earliest evidence of consistent plant-based dietary practices comes from the Indus Valley civilization, dating back over 9,000 years in what is now Pakistan. In India, the concept of ahimsa, or non-violence toward all living beings, is central to several ancient religious philosophies. Jainism, revived in the 6th century BCE by Vardhamana Mahavira, is perhaps the most explicit example, advocating for non-violence in thought, speech, and action. Jain monks are known for their extremely strict plant-based diets, which even exclude root vegetables to avoid harming microorganisms. Hinduism and Buddhism also embrace aspects of ahimsa, which has made plant-based diets a significant part of Indian culture for centuries.
Greek Philosophy and the Pythagorean Diet
In the ancient Mediterranean, the Greek philosopher Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE) and his followers were prominent advocates of a meatless lifestyle. Believing in the transmigration of souls, Pythagoras argued against killing animals, as they could contain the souls of the dead. Until the 19th century, vegetarians were often referred to as "Pythagoreans". Centuries later, the Neoplatonist philosopher Porphyry (c. 234–305 AD) wrote extensively on the subject in De Abstinentia ab Esu Animalium, making one of the earliest arguments for animal sentience and justice for animals.
The Resurgence of Ethical Eating
After a decline in Europe during the Middle Ages, vegetarian thought began to re-emerge during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods. This time saw thinkers and writers like Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Tryon advocating for plant-based diets. By the 19th century, the movement became more organized, with health and ethical concerns driving its growth, particularly in Britain and the United States. This period saw the founding of the first Vegetarian Society and the publication of early vegetarian cookbooks. Percy Bysshe Shelley and Henry David Thoreau were among the famous figures who practiced and wrote about the lifestyle.
The Coining of "Vegan" and the Modern Era
The specific concept of veganism, which excludes all animal products including dairy and eggs, has a much shorter, but still significant, history. The word itself was created in 1944 by Donald Watson, co-founder of The Vegan Society in England. Watson derived "vegan" from the first and last letters of "vegetarian" to signify the "beginning and end of vegetarianism". The society's formation marked a clear demarcation, creating a movement distinct from lacto-ovo-vegetarianism. The formal definition evolved over time, settling on a philosophy that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of animal exploitation.
A Timeline of Key Developments:
- c. 15,000 BCE: Archaeological evidence suggests some prehistoric human diets were largely vegan.
- c. 8th–6th Century BCE: Jainism, promoting ahimsa, takes root in India.
- c. 6th Century BCE: Pythagoras and his followers advocate vegetarianism in ancient Greece.
- c. 3rd Century AD: Roman philosophers like Porphyry write about animal sentience.
- c. 1683 AD: Thomas Tryon publishes an influential vegetarian text in England.
- 1847: The first Vegetarian Society is founded in Britain, popularizing the term.
- 1944: Donald Watson and others coin the term "vegan" and establish The Vegan Society.
- 1951: The Vegan Society publishes a clear definition of veganism to end animal exploitation.
- 1980s-Present: The rise of animal rights activism and increasing awareness of health and environmental impacts push veganism into the mainstream.
Ancient vs. Modern Plant-Based Practices
| Feature | Ancient Plant-Based Practices | Modern Veganism |
|---|---|---|
| Core Motivation | Predominantly religious, spiritual, or philosophical principles (e.g., ahimsa, reincarnation), sometimes health-related. | Combination of ethical (animal welfare), health, environmental, and social justice concerns. |
| Dietary Scope | Often included animal products like milk, honey, or eggs, depending on the specific group and era. Some excluded certain plants. | Excludes all animal-derived products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Focuses on a diverse range of plant foods. |
| Defining Terminology | Used broader terms like "Pythagorean diet" or descriptions of meat abstinence, rather than a specific label. | Defined by the specific term "vegan" since 1944, distinguishing it from vegetarianism. |
| Cultural Context | Varied widely across cultures (e.g., India, Greece). Often practiced by specific sects, philosophers, or elites. | A globally recognized movement, accessible to anyone, with significant presence online and in mainstream media. |
| Product Scope | Focused almost exclusively on dietary practices, with some exceptions for religious vows. | Encompasses diet, clothing, cosmetics, and other products, addressing all forms of animal exploitation. |
Conclusion: A Legacy of Compassion
The historical roots of veganism demonstrate a long and complex evolution of human thought concerning our relationship with animals and food. While the modern movement, with its specific terminology and broad focus on all forms of exploitation, is a 20th-century phenomenon, it stands on the shoulders of millennia of ethical and spiritual traditions. The journey from the philosophical principles of ancient India and Greece to the global, accessible movement of today shows a continuous thread of seeking a more compassionate and conscious way of living.
For more insight into the society that formalized the modern movement, visit the official Vegan Society website.
