Veganism, though it may seem like a modern trend, has deep roots in human history. This philosophy of life, which excludes the consumption of animal products, has evolved over centuries, transforming from a spiritual and ethical practice into a global movement with millions of followers.
The ancient origins of veganism
Pythagoras and his followers practiced what today we would call a predominantly vegetarian diet, avoiding meat for ethical and spiritual reasons. Although they did not completely exclude all animal products, the Pythagoreans laid the foundation for modern ethical thinking about animal rights.
The Influence of Eastern Religions
During the same period, in India, Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) promoted the principle of ahimsa, non-violence towards all living beings. This philosophy profoundly influenced the development of plant-based diets in Asian cultures. Jainism, another Indian religion, went further, promoting an extremely strict form of veganism to avoid any harm to living beings.
Evolution during the Medieval and Modern Periods
The Renaissance and Humanism
Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance scientist and artist, was known for his compassion towards animals. Although there is no clear evidence that he was fully vegan, his contemporaries noted that he often bought caged birds just to release them and refused to eat meat.
The Emergence of the Term Vegan in the 20th Century
The first definition of veganism given by Watson was: a doctrine that humans should live without exploiting animals. This definition has been refined over time, leading to the modern formulation which excludes all animal-derived products from the diet, clothing and other aspects of life.
The Evolution of Definitions
The Vegan Boom of the 21st Century
Awareness of environmental impact: Scientific research has shown that animal agriculture contributes significantly to climate change, deforestation, and water pollution.
Access to information: The internet and documentaries such as What the Health, Cowspiracy, and Dominion have exposed the general public to the realities of the animal industry.
