The Philosophical and Religious Roots of Veganism
Long before the modern vegan movement, many societies embraced plant-based eating for profound philosophical and spiritual reasons. Ethical considerations, such as the concept of ahimsa (non-violence), formed the bedrock for avoiding animal exploitation in regions like ancient India. In the Western world, intellectual and ethical arguments for abstaining from animal flesh also emerged, though they were often limited to specific philosophical schools or individuals.
The Indus Valley and Jainism
Arguably the most enduring tradition of strict veganism comes from the ancient Indian subcontinent. The religion of Jainism, which can be traced back to 3300–1300 BCE, holds ahimsa as its central tenet. Jains believe that all living beings possess a soul and deserve respect, leading many followers to adopt a diet free of meat and dairy. Jains go to such lengths to avoid harm that they often abstain from consuming root vegetables, as harvesting them can injure small insects and the plant itself. This commitment to non-violence extends beyond diet to other areas of life, including clothing and labor, making it a comprehensive ethical lifestyle that aligns closely with modern veganism.
Ancient Indian Traditions: Buddhism and Hinduism
Both Buddhism and Hinduism, which arose from the same philosophical milieu as Jainism, also incorporate strong themes of non-violence towards animals. While not all followers practice veganism, significant sects within these traditions and many monastic orders have adhered to strict plant-based diets for centuries. Emperor Ashoka, a follower of Buddhism in ancient India, even issued decrees prohibiting animal slaughter during his reign (c. 268 to 232 BCE). In China, Buddhism was adapted to require monastic communities to follow a vegetarian, often effectively vegan, diet, a practice that continues today.
The Pythagorean Way in Ancient Greece
In the ancient Mediterranean, the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE) was a famous proponent of vegetarianism, which was sometimes referred to as the 'Pythagorean diet'. His motivations were based on both ethical concerns about animal cruelty and the belief in the transmigration of souls. Followers of this philosophy avoided animal flesh and sometimes other animal products, viewing it as a path to a purer state. Centuries later, the Roman philosopher Seneca echoed these sentiments, suggesting that killing for pleasure, not necessity, creates a habit of cruelty.
Historical Examples of Plant-Based Living
Across the globe and throughout different epochs, diverse cultures have demonstrated varying degrees of commitment to plant-based diets, often due to specific cultural, environmental, or spiritual beliefs.
The Ancient Egyptians
Archaeological and historical evidence suggests the diet of ancient Egyptians was heavily plant-based, consisting primarily of grains, legumes, and vegetables. Though they were not all strictly vegan, reverence for certain sacred animals, such as cows, led to their non-consumption. Furthermore, carbon content analysis of mummies confirms the dominance of a plant-rich diet. Dishes like ful medames (cooked fava beans) and ta'meya (Egyptian falafel made from fava beans) have roots in ancient culinary traditions.
Medieval Islamic Thought
Around the 11th century, the Arab poet Al-Ma'arri famously embraced a vegan lifestyle, writing verses that advocated for animal welfare and questioned the consumption of animal products. He remains a significant figure for demonstrating that vegan-like principles existed in the medieval Islamic world, predating the modern movement by a millennium.
Rastafari and the Ital Diet
Rastafarian culture, originating in Jamaica, features the Ital diet, a practice rooted in the concept of natural living and vitality. The word 'Ital' is derived from 'vital', and its followers adhere to a diet free from processed foods, artificial additives, salt, and often meat, fish, and dairy. Many Rastafarians practice a completely vegan version of the Ital diet to maintain a pure connection to the earth and their bodies.
Early Western Veganism
In the 19th century, several figures and communities explored non-dairy vegetarianism, pushing the boundaries of the then-growing vegetarian movement. In the United States, Transcendentalist Amos Bronson Alcott founded the Fruitlands community in 1844, a short-lived experiment in vegan communal living. In Britain, figures like physician William Lambe advocated for a diet free of animal products for health reasons. These were early forerunners to the official coining of the term 'vegan' by Donald Watson and the establishment of The Vegan Society in 1944. For more on this, see The Vegan Society's history page.
Comparison of Historical Vegan Practices
| Cultural Group | Time Period | Primary Motivation(s) | Dietary Characteristics | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jains (India) | ~6th century BCE–Present | Ahimsa (non-violence) | Strict vegan diet, avoidance of root vegetables | A core, religiously-mandated vegan lifestyle |
| Ancient Egyptians | ~2500 BCE | Religious reverence for animals, belief in Ma'at | Predominantly plant-based, occasional animal products | Not strictly vegan for all, but predominantly plant-based |
| Pythagoreans (Greece) | ~6th century BCE | Transmigration of souls, ethical considerations | Strict vegetarianism, sometimes bordering on veganism | A philosophical school, not a cultural norm |
| Al-Ma'arri (Arabia) | ~11th century CE | Animal welfare, ethical principles | Individual adherence to a vegan diet | A notable individual rather than a widespread cultural practice |
| Rastafarians (Jamaica) | 20th century–Present | Ital living (vitality), spiritual purity | Plant-based diet, often strictly vegan | Part of a larger spiritual and cultural movement |
Why Historical Veganism Emerged
The reasons for adopting vegan or near-vegan practices in history were complex and multifaceted, differing significantly from the modern combination of environmentalism and health consciousness, though these factors were sometimes present.
Ethical Considerations
The ethical argument for avoiding animal cruelty has a long and storied history. As seen with the Jains and Pythagoras, the belief that animals are sentient beings or that harming them harms oneself was a powerful motivator. This was often intertwined with beliefs about the sacredness of life and the desire for spiritual purity.
Health Beliefs
Some historical proponents also saw health benefits in plant-based diets. Pythagoras, for example, promoted the nutritional value of plant-based eating. Later, figures like William Lambe and Sylvester Graham in the 19th century advocated for plant-heavy diets as a remedy for various ailments.
Religious Fasting and Purity
Certain religious practices prescribed periods of abstinence from animal products for purification or spiritual discipline. For example, the Greek Orthodox faith still practices a vegan diet during Lent. These periods helped to establish cultural culinary traditions and demonstrate that avoiding animal products was both possible and spiritually valuable.
Conclusion
The narrative that veganism is a recent, Western invention overlooks a rich and varied history of plant-based living rooted in diverse cultures worldwide. From the ancient philosophies of ahimsa in India to the spiritual principles of the Rastafari Ital diet, individuals and entire communities have long chosen to forgo animal products for ethical, religious, and philosophical reasons. These historical precedents demonstrate that the fundamental ideas behind modern veganism are not new but rather a continuation of a long tradition of thoughtful consideration for our relationship with other living beings. By understanding these historical connections, we can appreciate the depth and breadth of the movement and its deep roots in human cultural development.
