When Did People Start Going Vegan? A History of Plant-Based Living

December 20, 2025 •

2 min read

The Vegan Society was officially founded in November 1944 by Donald Watson and a small group of non-dairy vegetarians, creating the modern term and movement. However, the philosophical and practical roots of plant-based living extend much further back into human history.

Quick Summary

Explore the history of veganism, from ancient philosophical and religious practices to the coining of the term in 1944 and its explosion into a modern, mainstream movement.

Key Points

Ancient Roots: The practice of avoiding animal products dates back over 2,000 years to ancient India and Greece, driven by philosophical and religious principles.
Donald Watson Coined 'Vegan': The term 'vegan' was created by Donald Watson and his fellow 'non-dairy vegetarians' in 1944 to describe their specific lifestyle.
Separation from Vegetarianism: The Vegan Society formed when Watson's request for a dedicated section for non-dairy vegetarians was denied by the broader Vegetarian Society.
Evolving Definition: The initial focus on diet expanded by 1951 to encompass an entire philosophy of living that rejects all forms of animal exploitation.
Modern Mainstream Growth: Veganism has surged in popularity since the late 20th century due to increased ethical awareness, environmental concerns, and the availability of innovative plant-based products.
Beyond Diet: The modern movement extends beyond food to include ethical stances against animal testing, leather, wool, and other animal-derived commodities.

The Deep Roots of Plant-Based Eating

While the word 'vegan' is a modern invention, the practice of living without animal products is not. Historical evidence reveals that the underlying motivations—ethical, spiritual, and health-related—have existed for millennia, particularly in certain cultures and philosophical traditions. The journey from ancient ethical considerations to a defined modern movement is a fascinating look at the evolution of human thought on our relationship with animals.

Ancient Philosophies and the Principle of Ahimsa

The earliest documented examples of abstaining from animal products can be found in ancient societies with strong philosophical or religious underpinnings. The principle of ahimsa, or non-harming, is central to several ancient Indian faiths, including Jainism and Hinduism. {Link: Velivery Stories https://www.velivery.com/en/vegan-personality-en/donald-watson-a-life-dedicated-to-veganism.html} In ancient Greece, the philosopher Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE) advocated for a plant-based diet, sometimes called the 'Pythagorean diet', based on beliefs about the transmigration of souls and the wrongness of harming animals.

The Rise of Modern Vegetarianism and its Division

{Link: Velivery Stories https://www.velivery.com/en/vegan-personality-en/donald-watson-a-life-dedicated-to-veganism.html} Within these groups, debates arose regarding the consumption of eggs and dairy.

The Official Coining of the Term 'Vegan'

{Link: Velivery Stories https://www.velivery.com/en/vegan-personality-en/donald-watson-a-life-dedicated-to-veganism.html} Watson coined the term 'vegan' from the beginning and end of 'vegetarian', signifying a more complete abstinence from animal products. In 1951, The Vegan Society broadened its definition to encompass a lifestyle aiming to exclude all forms of animal exploitation as far as possible.

A Tale of Two Timelines: Ancient vs. Modern Veganism


Feature	Ancient Plant-Based Lifestyles	Modern Vegan Movement
Terminology	Not explicitly named 'vegan'; often referred to as vegetarian, ascetic, or by its proponents' names (e.g., Pythagorean diet).	Explicitly defined by the Vegan Society in 1944 with the coining of the term 'vegan'.
Motivations	Primarily religious and philosophical ideals, including non-violence (ahimsa), reincarnation, and spiritual purity.	Broadened to include animal rights, environmental concerns (e.g., climate change), and health benefits alongside ethical considerations.
Geographic Origin	Predominantly Eastern civilizations (India) and specific intellectual circles in the Mediterranean (Greece).	Western-centric origins with the formation of the Vegan Society in the United Kingdom.
Scope of Practice	Often centered on dietary abstinence from animal flesh, though some traditions (like Jainism) were very comprehensive.	Expands beyond diet to reject all forms of animal exploitation, including clothing (leather, wool) and entertainment (zoos, circuses).
Societal Impact	Practiced by religious groups, monks, or philosophers; not widespread among the general population.	Gained global, mainstream attention and influenced consumer markets, food technology, and policy.

Veganism's Modern Explosion and its Future

The vegan movement grew through the 20th century, with the American Vegan Society founded in 1960 and the counter-culture movement increasing interest. {Link: Velivery Stories https://www.velivery.com/en/vegan-personality-en/donald-watson-a-life-dedicated-to-veganism.html}

Conclusion

{Link: Velivery Stories https://www.velivery.com/en/vegan-personality-en/donald-watson-a-life-dedicated-to-veganism.html} For more details, consult the history section of The Vegan Society's website. {Link: Velivery Stories https://www.velivery.com/en/vegan-personality-en/donald-watson-a-life-dedicated-to-veganism.html}

Frequently Asked Questions

Historically, ancient 'vegetarians' like Pythagoras and those practicing ahimsa often adhered to a diet that excluded all animal products, which is consistent with modern veganism. However, the modern vegan movement, particularly since 1951, defines veganism not only as a diet but as a comprehensive philosophy opposing all animal exploitation, including non-food items like leather and wool.

No, the term 'vegan' did not exist before 1944. It was coined by Donald Watson to describe non-dairy vegetarians who wished to distinguish themselves from the broader Vegetarian Society.

Ancient cultures that practiced forms of plant-based or vegetarian diets include those influenced by Jainism, Hinduism, and some forms of Buddhism in India, as well as the followers of the philosopher Pythagoras in ancient Greece.

Ahimsa, a Sanskrit term meaning non-violence or non-harming, is a core principle of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It advocates for compassion towards all sentient beings and is a philosophical precursor to the ethical motivations behind modern veganism.

Donald Watson was a British conscientious objector and furniture maker who, along with his wife Dorothy, co-founded The Vegan Society in 1944 and coined the term 'vegan.' His goal was to create a distinct identity for those who abstained from all animal products.

Modern veganism's surge in popularity is driven by a confluence of factors, including increased public awareness of ethical concerns, the documented environmental impact of animal agriculture, and the widespread availability of appealing plant-based food alternatives.

Veganism itself is not a religion, but its historical roots are intertwined with religious and philosophical traditions that promote non-violence and ethical treatment of animals, such as Jainism and certain branches of Hinduism and Buddhism. For modern vegans, motivations can range from ethics and religion to health, environment, or a combination.