The Initial Economic Catalyst
During his first years in London, George Bernard Shaw was a struggling writer, relying on a small allowance from his mother. Meat was expensive, and in his youth, it was simply more practical for him to choose a diet based on vegetables, which were more affordable. He spent his days in places like the British Library, where his meager funds stretched further at establishments serving vegetarian food. This period of financial hardship, however, did not just force a temporary change in his diet; it set the stage for a lifelong commitment that would later be philosophically and morally cemented in his mind.
A Deep Ethical and Moral Conviction
Beyond the initial economic consideration, Shaw’s vegetarianism became a profound ethical stance against animal cruelty. His views were outspoken and often confrontational, challenging the societal norms of his time. He famously declared, “A man of my spiritual intensity does not eat corpses”. This statement encapsulates his belief that consuming animal flesh was not only morally wrong but spiritually degrading for humans. His ethical reasoning was not a secret; it was a cornerstone of his public persona and was frequently a topic of discussion among his peers and the press.
Shaw saw a clear link between cruelty to animals and violence among humans. The famous quote often attributed to him, "Animals are my friends...and I don't eat my friends," reflects his view that animals were not merely commodities but living beings with a right to exist without exploitation. In a poem attributed to him, "Living Graves," he called humans the "living graves of murdered beasts," a poignant condemnation of the practice of meat consumption. This was a radical position in an era when vegetarianism was often viewed as eccentric or a fad.
The Pursuit of Health and Longevity
As he grew older, Shaw increasingly attributed his notable vitality and longevity to his vegetarian diet. He lived to be 94 years old, a remarkable age for the early 20th century. He often poked fun at the doctors who warned him that his meatless diet would cause him to wither away. In a widely cited anecdote, when asked about his vegetarianism at age 70, he remarked, “Fine, only the doctors are bothering me, telling me that I will die if I don't eat meat.” Twenty years later, he is said to have replied, “Wonderful, no one bothers me anymore: Those doctors who scared me that I wouldn't be able to live without meat have already died”.
His diet was also part of a larger regimen of clean living. Besides shunning meat, he did not smoke or drink alcohol, and he avoided both tea and coffee. His focus on a balanced, healthy, and low-calorie intake was meticulous, with his housekeeper carefully weighing his food. He believed his vegetarianism and overall clean lifestyle granted him a vigor that meat-eaters lacked, often stating, "I have ten times as much good health and energy as a meat eater".
A Comparison of Shaw's Motivations
| Motivation | Initial Driver | Later Conviction | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic | A struggling writer in London on a small allowance. | Irrelevant once financially successful, but the habit remained. | Frequent dining at affordable vegetarian establishments. |
| Ethical | Growing moral awareness and socialist principles. | Lifelong, deeply ingrained belief in animal rights. | Public speeches, scathing quotes, and vegetarian advocacy. |
| Health | Anecdotal observation and personal feeling of wellbeing. | Firm belief that his diet was key to his exceptional longevity. | Meticulous food weighing, abstention from alcohol/smoking. |
Shaw's Dietary Details
Shaw's diet was well-documented, thanks to his housekeeper, Alice Laden, who recorded his meals after his wife's death. The recipes reveal a focus on whole, nutritious foods, a far cry from the modern conception of a limited vegetarian diet. His meals were often hearty and included:
- Vegetable pies and cutlets: Hearty and filling main dishes.
- Nut-based dishes: A source of protein and healthy fats.
- Cauliflower au gratin and vegetable curries: Diverse and flavorful options.
- Sweet desserts: A notable indulgence, despite his focus on health.
His demand for high-quality ingredients, even during wartime rationing, meant his housekeeper had to travel extensively to find the fresh butter, cream, and vegetables he insisted upon.
Conclusion: More Than a Diet
George Bernard Shaw's vegetarianism was not a simple dietary preference; it was a comprehensive philosophical statement that encompassed his views on ethics, health, and social justice. What began as a practical necessity for a young, penniless writer evolved into a powerful and public commitment that challenged the norms of his society. His remarkable health and longevity became a potent, living argument for his convictions. For Shaw, a vegetarian diet was an act of moral clarity and a practical path to a long, vibrant life, solidifying his legacy as an early advocate for animal rights and clean living. His reasons remain as relevant and provocative today as they were over a century ago.
Visit the National Gallery of Ireland, a beneficiary of Shaw's will, for more insights into his life.
