Pinpointing the very first person to be a vegan is historically complex, primarily because the term 'vegan' was only established in the 20th century. While Donald Watson is widely recognized for coining the term and co-founding The Vegan Society in 1944, forms of animal-free living existed long before then. This means exploring different historical periods and philosophies to understand the origins of this lifestyle.
The Dawn of Modern Veganism: Donald Watson
Donald Watson, a British woodworker and animal rights advocate, is often cited in discussions about the start of veganism. In 1944, he coined the term 'vegan' as he and a group sought to distinguish themselves from vegetarians who still consumed dairy and eggs. Inspired partly by observations of animal exploitation on his uncle's farm, Watson aimed for a more comprehensive break from animal products. He, along with others, founded The Vegan Society, using a portmanteau of 'vegetarian'. Initially focusing on diet, the society's definition later expanded to encompass a broader ethical stance against all forms of animal exploitation, aligning with contemporary understanding.
Ancient Roots of Animal-Free Living
Long before the 20th century, various cultures and philosophies embraced principles that led individuals to avoid animal products.
Eastern Philosophical and Religious Influences
Concepts of non-violence were particularly influential in the East.
- Jainism (6th century BCE): This ancient Indian religion emphasizes Ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings, requiring adherents to follow a strict vegetarian diet and avoid animal labor. Many Jain practices align closely with modern veganism.
- Buddhism (c. 500 BCE): Compassion for all creatures is a core Buddhist principle. While practices vary, vegetarian or vegan diets have long been part of the tradition for many followers and monks.
Western Philosophical Precursors
Ancient Greek thinkers also explored the ethical treatment of animals.
The philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE) advocated for a meat-free diet and benevolence towards all species, believing animal slaughter harmed the human soul. For a significant period, a non-meat diet was even known as the 'Pythagorean Diet'.
A Thousand Years Ahead: Al-Ma'arri
Less known in Western history but significant is the blind Syrian Arab poet Al-Ma'arri (c. 973–1057 CE). He wrote explicitly against consuming any animal products, including milk and eggs. His poetry, like "I No Longer Steal From Nature," presents ethical arguments against animal exploitation that remarkably precede modern vegan thought by centuries.
19th-Century Developments
The 19th century saw growing vegetarian movements in the West, with some individuals beginning to question the use of dairy and eggs.
- Dr. William Lambe (1806): An English physician who promoted a plant-based diet and was one of the early Europeans to raise ethical objections to dairy and eggs.
- Amos Bronson Alcott (1844): In the United States, Alcott established the Fruitlands community, which followed a purely plant-based diet driven by ethical and spiritual beliefs.
Conclusion: A History, Not a Single Origin
Due to the long history of animal-free living predating the term, it is impossible to definitively name one person as the first vegan. The practice has evolved through contributions from diverse figures and cultures over millennia. Donald Watson's coining of the term in 1944 and the founding of The Vegan Society were pivotal in formalizing the modern movement, which built upon these earlier ethical and philosophical strands of thought.
For more information on the history of The Vegan Society, see their website {Link: The Vegan Society https://www.vegansociety.com/about-us/history}.
