The Philosophical Roots of Veganism
Long before the modern animal rights movement, a few influential ancient thinkers argued for lifestyles free from animal products. The concept of abstaining from all animal-derived foods is not a recent phenomenon but a practice with deep historical roots in various philosophical schools.
The Pythagorean Way of Life
Around 500 BCE, the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, along with his followers, championed a vegetarian lifestyle for ethical and religious reasons. They believed in the transmigration of souls, meaning an animal could house the soul of a deceased human. This belief made the act of eating meat ethically problematic, as Ovid quotes Pythagoras: “Alas, what wickedness to swallow flesh into our own flesh…”. The "Pythagorean diet," as it was called, was primarily vegetarian, though some followers extended this principle to abstain from all animal products, predating the modern vegan ideal. Their reasoning centered on the belief that harming animals was a brutalizing act that degraded the human soul. It is important to note that Greek literature shows meat-eating was still common, and the Pythagorean diet was a niche, philosophical choice.
Roman-era Advocates
Even after the decline of the Greek schools, their ideas persisted. The Roman-era Neoplatonist philosopher Porphyry wrote extensively about vegetarianism and what can be considered proto-veganism in his work On Abstinence from Eating Animals (c. 268–270 CE). He argued that animals possess consciousness and memory, deserving of justice and compassion, and that consuming animal products was corrupting for both the body and soul.
The Spiritual Path of Ahimsa
The concept of ahimsa, or non-violence toward all living beings, is central to several ancient Indian religions and is arguably the most consistent historical precursor to veganism.
Jainism: The Strict Non-Violent Diet
Jainism, a religion dating back to at least the 9th century BCE, requires its followers to practice the strictest form of non-violence (ahimsa) toward all sentient life. This commitment to minimizing harm has always been expressed through diet. Historically, Jains are strict lacto-vegetarians, avoiding meat, fish, and eggs. Many also avoid root vegetables (like onions, garlic, and potatoes) because harvesting them kills the entire plant and potentially harms microorganisms in the soil. Modern Jains are increasingly adopting full veganism, recognizing the inherent violence and exploitation in the commercial dairy industry, arguing it is a necessary evolution of their core principles. This shift reflects a contemporary reinterpretation of ahimsa for the modern era.
Buddhism: Compassion and Dietary Variance
The founder of Buddhism, Siddhārtha Gautama (the Buddha), was a contemporary of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. While Buddhist teachings also emphasize compassion, the dietary requirements have varied historically and geographically. The Buddha allowed monks to accept meat as alms if they were not aware the animal was specifically killed for them. However, in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in China and Vietnam, monastic traditions developed strict vegetarian, egg-free, and often dairy-free diets. This practice, known as shojin ryori in Japan, was particularly influential during periods when meat consumption was restricted or banned, such as the 12th-century ban introduced by Emperor Tenmu.
A Glimpse into Other Ancient Plant-Based Practices
Beyond formal philosophical or religious movements, cultural and practical factors also led ancient societies to practice plant-forward, and sometimes entirely plant-based, diets.
Ancient Egypt's Plant-Based Predominance
Archaeological evidence, including analysis of carbon isotopes in mummified remains, indicates that ancient Egyptians predominantly consumed a plant-based diet, consisting mainly of bread, beer, fruits, and vegetables. Their reverence for animals, often seen as manifestations of gods, and beliefs about the afterlife may have contributed to this dietary pattern. While not strictly vegan, their plant-heavy diet and ethical treatment of certain animals show a cultural inclination away from heavy meat consumption.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Fast
While not an ancient culture per se, the fasting practices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church have ancient roots and include frequent periods (tsom) where the consumption of all animal products—including meat, dairy, and eggs—is forbidden. This has fostered the development of a rich, naturally vegan cuisine that has been part of the culture for centuries. These fasts are a spiritual discipline intended for purification.
The Poet Al-Ma'arri
An early and explicit advocate for veganism was the blind Arab poet Abu al-'Ala al-Ma'arri (c. 973 – c. 1057 CE). He wrote extensively on his vegan beliefs, rejecting all animal products out of compassion. His poem, "I No Longer Steal From Nature," expresses his views clearly, arguing on the grounds of both health and animal welfare.
Comparing Ancient Plant-Based Diets to Modern Veganism
While ancient practices laid the groundwork, there are key distinctions between historical plant-based lifestyles and modern ethical veganism. The following table compares some well-documented examples.
| Group/Tradition | Avoids Meat | Avoids Dairy | Avoids Eggs | Underlying Philosophy/Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Ethical Veganism | Yes | Yes | Yes | Excludes all animal exploitation, including food, clothing, and entertainment. |
| Jainism (Traditional) | Yes | No (Lacto-vegetarian) | Yes | Ahimsa (non-violence) toward all sentient beings; modern Jains may be vegan due to dairy industry concerns. |
| Pythagorean School | Yes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Transmigration of souls and belief that harming animals brutalizes the human spirit. |
| Chinese Buddhist Monks | Yes | Sometimes | Yes | Emphasis on compassion (ahimsa) and spiritual purity, with monastic diets often strictly plant-based. |
| Ethiopian Orthodox Fast | Yes | Yes | Yes | Spiritual discipline during specific fasting periods, resulting in a robust vegan cuisine. |
| Ancient Egypt (Dietary evidence) | Largely | Probably not | Probably not | Predominantly plant-based due to agricultural abundance and animal reverence; some meat was consumed. |
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Plant-Based Living
Ancient cultures were not universally vegan in the modern sense, but they practiced lifestyles remarkably similar to it for deeply held philosophical, spiritual, and ethical reasons. From the ahimsa of Jainism to the Pythagorean concern for animal souls, these traditions demonstrate that the ethical contemplation of one's diet is not a modern trend but a timeless human pursuit. The rich, plant-based cuisines developed by these societies show that a life free from animal products was not only possible but also culturally and spiritually enriching. The legacy of these ancient pioneers continues to inform and inspire the modern vegan movement, emphasizing compassion and mindful eating for all creatures and the planet.
For a formal definition of the modern movement, you can refer to The Vegan Society, founded in 1944.
