The Birth of a New Movement
Donald Watson's journey to defining veganism began on his uncle's farm, where witnessing a pig slaughter left a lasting impression on him as a young boy. This experience drove him to become a vegetarian at age 14. Decades later, however, he grew disillusioned with the vegetarian movement, which permitted the consumption of dairy and eggs. He saw the suffering inherent in dairy production as a 'greater crime than the use of flesh-foods,' since the dairy cow eventually ends up in the slaughterhouse anyway.
This ethical awakening prompted him, along with a group of friends, to separate from the UK Vegetarian Society. Their request to have a section of the Vegetarian Society newsletter dedicated to non-dairy vegetarianism was denied, which led them to create their own publication, The Vegan News, in November 1944. They sought a new, more concise term than 'non-dairy vegetarian.' From a list of suggestions, Watson settled on 'vegan'—a word formed from the first three and last two letters of 'vegetarian'—to signify the complete break from animal products that vegetarianism represented.
Watson's Original Definition: A Dietary First
For Donald Watson, veganism was primarily a dietary practice. The first issues of The Vegan News defined veganism as a diet of 'fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains and other wholesome non-animal products,' explicitly excluding 'flesh, fish, fowl, eggs, honey, and animals' milk, butter and cheese'. While motivated by compassion, Watson's approach was pragmatic and focused on what was possible and practicable for individuals at the time.
His early definition did not mandate the complete exclusion of all non-food animal products. Instead, the early Vegan Society encouraged members to consider using alternatives for items like leather, but it was not a requirement for membership.
The Shift to a Broader Ethical Philosophy
Donald Watson's time as the leader of the Vegan Society ended in 1948. In the years that followed, the society's definition of veganism began to change. In 1951, a new definition emerged, spearheaded by Leslie J. Cross. Cross successfully pushed for a definition that went beyond diet to encompass a wider animal rights philosophy. The new definition framed veganism as the 'doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals'.
This marked a clear shift from Watson's more diet-centric view to a comprehensive ethical stance on all animal use. This change set the stage for the modern understanding of veganism, which encompasses both diet and lifestyle.
Understanding the Different Scopes of Veganism
| Aspect | Donald Watson's Meaning (c. 1944-1948) | Modern Veganism (since c. 1988) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Primarily dietary, excluding all animal-derived food (meat, dairy, eggs, honey). | A broader ethical philosophy rejecting all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty. |
| Non-Food Products | Encouraged avoidance of items like leather and wool, but not mandated for membership. | Actively seeks to exclude all animal-derived products, including clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment. |
| Membership Rules | Aimed for an inclusive approach, where supporters could choose how far they went with non-food items. | Defines a clear ethical baseline, although the 'possible and practicable' clause allows for some flexibility. |
| Driving Force | A pragmatic, compassionate approach to minimizing animal suffering and maximizing health. | An animal rights-based imperative to emancipate animals from all human exploitation. |
Donald Watson's Lasting Legacy
While the definition of veganism has expanded, Watson's role as a foundational pioneer is undeniable. He established a distinct identity for those who wished to take a further step toward animal liberation. His pragmatic, non-dogmatic approach allowed the movement to grow organically. His legacy is not just in coining the term, but in establishing the fundamental idea that a diet free of animal exploitation was both possible and beneficial.
The evolution of the definition from Watson's initial focus to the broader philosophical stance reflects the growth of the movement's ethical considerations over time. However, Watson's original emphasis on food and health remains a cornerstone for many who adopt a vegan diet today. For a more detailed historical account, consult the resources available on The Vegan Society's website.
Conclusion
Donald Watson's original meaning of veganism centered on a purely plant-based diet, distinguishing it from vegetarianism by excluding dairy and eggs for ethical and health reasons. He created a welcoming environment where the avoidance of non-food animal products was encouraged, not required. While this definition later broadened under new leadership to become the comprehensive animal rights philosophy we know today, Watson's pioneering efforts laid the crucial groundwork. His commitment to minimizing animal suffering and his pragmatic approach continue to influence and inspire the global vegan movement.
