Dry Philosophy

2077:

I was told years ago that in Australia you shouldn’t mention the ‘ph’ word. It puts people off. But philosophy is what it is. Take it or leave it.

‘Vegan principle’ is a philosophy for life. It can be summed up in the simple sound bite - “no-use-of-animals”. It’s daunting. Yet it’s a bold promise for a better life. Vegans hope to lull people towards acceptance of what might, at first, seem like a massive lifestyle restriction. But as vegans soon find out, it is simply thinking adventurously.

Animal advocates are informing people of the nuts and bolts, saying what many omnivores secretly want to know, but can’t admit wanting to know. Considering becoming vegan is tied up to giving one’s life meaning and construction, rather than conniving with some terrible destruction.

When we think of the various secretions and animal tissues we routinely consume, we know it comes from executed animals. As vegans, we sow that seed, and we hopefully leave something behind us something useful which people can contemplate later.

I remember being dragged to school and church and finding nothing pleasant to look forward to there. But no one is ever dragged along to see a conjurer - we go happily, voluntarily. ‘Vegan’ sounds serious but it’s magic too. Omnivores won’t come across that until they’re ready to forgo one thing for the sake of the other.

Our job might be to chivvy them up from the sidelines. We can spruik. But carefully. Ultimately, this is a very private matter replete with feelings, attitudes and decisions - it’s up to each person, in their own time, to organise how and if and when to make changes to lifestyle and attitude. Then, when the time comes, we can change without looking back.

All that vegans can do is hand out ‘sample packs’ - if you want any more you can sing it yourself. It all depends on whether or not ‘it’ can be taken in, and whether one is up to such a magic show.

For our part, transformation can happen at any time, and then the vegan advocate must be prepared and ready with some useful magic - the magic of perspective and practical assistance … but … when the time is ripe, when a person is ready to open up to the subject.