Who Was the First Vegan Ever? A History of Plant-Based Pioneers

While Donald Watson coined the term 'vegan' in 1944, there was no single 'first vegan ever,' as the practice of abstaining from all animal products has roots tracing back over 2,000 years. This rich history involves ancient philosophers and eastern religions, long before the modern movement took shape.

Quick Summary

The title of 'first vegan' is complex due to historical context. This article explores ancient plant-based practitioners like Pythagoras, examines the Arab poet Al-Ma'arri's contributions, and explains how Donald Watson coined the term in 1944.

Key Points

• Donald Watson Coined 'Vegan': Donald Watson coined the term 'vegan' in 1944 when he co-founded The Vegan Society to represent non-dairy vegetarians.

• Pre-1944 Plant-Based Lifestyles: Abstaining from animal products existed long before the term was invented, with historical figures like Pythagoras and the poet Al-Ma'arri following such diets.

• Ancient Motivations: Early reasons for avoiding animal products were often rooted in religious doctrine, spiritual beliefs, and ethical stances against animal exploitation.

• Modern Movement Origins: The modern vegan movement began with the formation of The Vegan Society in 1944 in England, separating from the vegetarian movement over the ethics of consuming dairy and eggs.

• Evolution of the Definition: The initial focus on dietary non-dairy vegetarianism evolved, with Leslie Cross proposing a broader definition in 1949 that encompassed a philosophy against all animal exploitation.

Defining Veganism: A Modern Concept for an Ancient Practice

The modern definition of veganism is distinct from historical plant-based diets. The term 'vegan' was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, co-founder of The Vegan Society, to describe "non-dairy vegetarians" who sought to avoid all animal exploitation. The current definition focuses on excluding all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty as far as possible and practicable. This formalization differentiates modern veganism from similar dietary practices in antiquity.

Ancient Philosophers and Religious Followers

Long before the term 'vegan' existed, individuals and groups practiced diets that excluded animal products for various reasons. Early adherents included the Pythagoreans, followers of Jainism and Buddhism, and the Arab poet Al-Ma'arri. Al-Ma'arri, who became a strict vegan, wrote against animal product consumption.

The Pioneers of the Modern Vegan Movement

The modern organized movement originated in England in the mid-20th century. In 1944, Donald Watson and other non-dairy vegetarians formed The Vegan Society and Watson coined the term "vegan". Other key figures included Elsie Shrigley and Leslie Cross.

Comparing Early and Modern Veganism

Though both avoid animal products, ancient and modern plant-based practices differ:

Aspect	Ancient Veganism (e.g., Al-Ma'arri)	Modern Veganism (from 1944)
Terminology	No specific term used.	Term 'vegan' explicitly defined.
Motivation	Often religious, spiritual, health, or philosophical.	Ethical and political stance against animal exploitation.
Societal Context	Practiced by individuals or small groups.	Broader, increasingly mainstream movement.
Practicality	Limited options, local foods.	Wide range of products and resources available.
Community	Small, often isolated.	Global, organized community.

The Ongoing Evolution of Veganism

The history of plant-based eating shows a long tradition leading to the modern vegan movement. The coining of the term and founding of The Vegan Society by pioneers like Donald Watson were crucial steps in formalizing and spreading the philosophy. Today, the movement continues to grow globally, driven by concerns for animal welfare, health, and the environment. The question of the "first vegan ever" highlights this rich history and the enduring human interest in compassionate living. For further reading, The Vegan Society website is a comprehensive resource {Link: The Vegan Society website https://www.vegansociety.com/about-us/history}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first person to follow a vegan diet?

It is impossible to say definitively who the very first person to follow a vegan diet was. The practice of abstaining from animal products dates back over 2,000 years, with historical figures and religious groups advocating for and practicing plant-based eating long before the term 'vegan' existed.

Who coined the word 'vegan'?

The word 'vegan' was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson. He and other co-founders of The Vegan Society chose the term, combining the first three and last two letters of 'vegetarian'.

What is the history of the modern vegan movement?

The modern vegan movement began in 1944 in England when Donald Watson and a small group of non-dairy vegetarians formed The Vegan Society.

Did ancient philosophers like Pythagoras practice veganism?

The Greek philosopher Pythagoras advocated for vegetarianism around 500 BCE, believing in the transmigration of souls and benevolence to all species.

Was the Arab poet Al-Ma'arri a vegan?

Yes, the 11th-century Arab poet Abu 'L'Ala Ahmad ibn 'Abdallah al-Ma'arri practiced a form of veganism, abstaining from meat, milk, and eggs.

What is the difference between ancient and modern veganism?

Ancient veganism was often tied to specific religious or philosophical beliefs and was less formalized. Modern veganism is a distinct, organized movement with a clear philosophical stance against all animal exploitation.

Who were the co-founders of The Vegan Society?

The Vegan Society was co-founded by Donald Watson and Elsie Shrigley in November 1944.