Who Was the First Ever Vegan?
Answering who was the first ever vegan is a complex question because the term 'vegan' is a modern invention, coined in 1944. Before this, many individuals and groups followed diets and lifestyles that we would now categorize as vegan, abstaining from all animal-derived foods and products for various reasons.
The Birth of the Word: Donald Watson and The Vegan Society
In November 1944, British woodworker Donald Watson and five others founded The Vegan Society. Watson created the word 'vegan' from 'vegetarian' to signify “the beginning and end of vegetarianism”. The move was prompted by the Vegetarian Society denying their request for a non-dairy subgroup, as Watson believed abstaining from meat was insufficient to address animal exploitation. The initial definition focused on a diet of plant-based products, excluding meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. The definition later broadened to encompass an ethical stance against all animal exploitation.
Ancient Philosophers and Early Advocates
Before the 20th century, the concept of a plant-based diet was explored by various thinkers and religions, motivated by spiritual purity, non-violence, health, and ethics. Key historical examples include:
- Pythagoras (c. 570–c. 495 BCE): This Greek mathematician advocated vegetarianism based on the belief in transmigration of souls and universal benevolence. He and his followers avoided meat and possibly beans, and those who abstained from meat were often called 'Pythagoreans'.
- Jainism (c. 9th–6th centuries BCE): The ancient Indian religion is centered on ahimsa, non-violence towards all life. Jains follow strict vegetarianism, sometimes excluding root vegetables, with some modern followers adopting a fully vegan lifestyle.
- Al-Maʿarri (c. 973–1057): This Arab poet passionately wrote about animal welfare and avoiding animal products based on ethical principles.
- Early Modern Figures: In the 19th century, before the term vegan, some vegetarians like British physicians William Lambe and Percy Bysshe Shelley objected to dairy and eggs ethically.
A Comparison of Pioneers: Modern vs. Ancient Ideals
| Aspect | Donald Watson (Modern) | Pythagoras/Jainism (Ancient) |
|---|---|---|
| Terminology | Coined the word 'vegan' to specify a non-dairy vegetarian. | Adherents were known as 'Pythagoreans' or followers of Jain dharma, not a specific modern term. |
| Core Motivation | Primarily ethical opposition to animal exploitation, later expanded to health and environment. | Varied, including spiritual purity, reincarnation beliefs, and universal non-violence. |
| Scope | Expands beyond diet to include clothing, products, and entertainment. | Focused primarily on diet and minimizing harm, with some followers avoiding leather and wool. |
| Foundation | Grew out of a discontent with standard vegetarianism and the exploitation inherent in the dairy industry. | Rooted in philosophical and religious texts written centuries ago. |
| Outreach | Founded a formal society, published newsletters, and actively promoted the lifestyle to others. | Teachings passed down through philosophical schools or religious traditions. |
The Legacy of the First Vegans
The legacy of these early pioneers highlights the enduring ethical questions about human interaction with animals. The concept of living without causing harm is an ancient virtue, exemplified by figures like Pythagoras and the Jain concept of ahimsa. For more on the modern movement, visit {Link: The Vegan Society https://www.vegansociety.com/about-us/history}.
The Ongoing Evolution of Veganism
The philosophical groundwork laid by ancient figures was built upon by later developments:
- 19th Century: Arguments against dairy and eggs grew within the vegetarian movement.
- 1940s-1950s: The formal establishment of The Vegan Society and the broadening definition of veganism.
- Late 20th Century: Increased awareness of animal rights and environmental impact.
- 21st Century: Veganism became more mainstream with wider availability of products and increased awareness.
Conclusion
While Donald Watson coined the term 'vegan' in 1944 and founded the modern movement, he was not the first ever vegan in practice. The concept of living without animal exploitation predates the term by centuries, demonstrated by unnamed individuals and figures like Pythagoras and the Jains.
