The Journey from Ethical Vegan to Meat-Eater and Back: Insights and Reflections

Millions have taken the ethical vegan or vegetarian path, promising to boycott animal products for the sake of animal welfare. However, some eventually return to a omnivorous lifestyle, raising questions about their sense of ethics and morality.

A Personal Story: From Ethical Vegan to Meat-Eater

Back in 1991, at the age of 19, I worked in a turkey slaughterhouse for a week and was introduced to the reality of animal suffering. After that experience, I decided to become a vegetarian for two years. But like many, eventually, I relapsed. A combination of personal choices and the convenience of a meat-based diet prompted me to return to eating animals.

I felt ashamed for prioritizing my own convenience over the reality of animal cruelty. Over the next 20 years, I continued to eat meat and even ventured into the fashion industry by creating leather clothing. Although I acknowledged the wrongness of exploiting and killing animals, I often pushed these thoughts to the side. Ultimately, my decisions led to a lifestyle that prioritized short-term satisfaction over long-term ethical principles.

The Benefits of a Vegan Diet: Health and Morality

Today, I am firmly convinced that becoming a vegan is not just a trendy choice but a commitment that benefits both personal health and ethical considerations. I took the first step by incorporating plant-based recipes into my diet. Initially, the first seven days were challenging, but as my body adapted, I found that I not only enjoyed my meals but also felt a significant improvement in my health.

The benefits of a vegan lifestyle extend beyond mere health. It provides an alternative to practices that exploit animals, promoting a more compassionate and ethical way of living. I can affirm that a fully vegan diet does contribute to better health, weight loss, and a healthier future.

The Psychological Battle: Conscience and Guilt

I have been vegan multiple times, the last time being in 1991 and again in 1995. Each time, my conscience had to face the challenge of guilt and moral ambiguity. While ethical vegetarians and vegans often engage in 'psychic numbing' to ignore the pain they cause, I too succumbed to this over time. During these lapses, I adopted a selfish approach and ignored the plight of animals, justifying my actions based on short-term gratification.

It is in these moments that ethical vegans or vegetarians often experience a wave of guilt and remorse. This guilt serves as a critical reminder of the moral principles we’ve chosen to espouse. Ethical veganism is not just a dietary choice but a moral stance, and lapsing from this stance often leads to deep reflection and emotional turmoil.

Conclusion: Challenging the Ethical Vibe

There is no such thing as an ethical vegan in the strictest sense of the word. Ethical frameworks require consistency and integrity, and lapsing into a meat-eating lifestyle can break these frameworks. It is a persistent reminder that ethical veganism is predicated on a commitment to compassion and respect for all life, irrespective of moral lapses.

In conclusion, the journey of ethical veganism and the return to a more omnivorous lifestyle is fraught with moral dilemmas and personal challenges. However, it also provides valuable insights into the importance of consistency, integrity, and the need to prioritize ethical principles over personal convenience.