Tag: History of veganism

The modern term 'vegan' was coined in 1944, and archaeological evidence confirms that no entire ancient tribe practiced a purely vegan lifestyle, though many groups subsisted on predominantly plant-based diets for various reasons.

While the term 'vegan' was coined in 1944, the philosophical arguments against animal exploitation are far older. This raises the question: were any philosophers vegan before the term existed, or have modern thinkers been the first to adopt this stance?

While Donald Watson coined the term 'vegan' in 1944, there was no single 'first vegan ever,' as the practice of abstaining from all animal products has roots tracing back over 2,000 years. This rich history involves ancient philosophers and eastern religions, long before the modern movement took shape.

Although the term 'vegan' was only coined in 1944, evidence of people choosing to avoid all animal products can be traced back over 2,000 years to ancient Indian and Mediterranean societies. This practice was often motivated by philosophical and spiritual beliefs that championed non-violence and ethical living.

In 1944, Donald Watson, along with other like-minded individuals, officially founded The Vegan Society and coined the term 'vegan,' which he described as 'the beginning and end of vegetarianism'. This marked a significant departure from the practices of the traditional vegetarian movement, which still included animal products like dairy and eggs.