Veganism

There are two dimensions to veganism, just like there are two sides to every story – unless there are more than two characters in the story, and then the two-sided wall becomes a multi-dimensional object with less than smooth surfaces. There is the healthy side of veganism, and without intentionally implementing a tautology, that is the healthy side of veganism. What I mean is this: some choose veganism for the benefits afforded by such a nutritious lifestyle, and are thusly less subject to first-world diseases like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and heart disease. They subsequently have more energy to invest in other healthy lifestyle choices like jogging, biking, etc. and the cycle is synergistic (the overall cycle, not necessarily the bicycle). But like fortuitous “Force” from the “Star Wars” saga, there is a light side and a dark side, and unfortunately some players in this game did not run to ‘Dagobah’ to receive their training from Yoda and the dark side has had its sway. This side of veganism, while attempting to appear remarkably humble, is actually extremely prideful. While beginning on the right course, like Pilgrim in Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” they have strayed off of the straight and narrow path. This is the path that sails the emblem of ‘animal rights’ on its flagship, yet often contemptuously rails at others (whom they themselves regard as the ‘highest primates’) for holding the same philosophy. Or if the blatant egotism is not their modus operandi, a snide and cunning disdain, complete with a singular tucked and raised corner of the mouth that can’t help but give it away, is shown at the dinner table as others who have not achieved their level of social awareness engage in carnivorous activities. They present themselves to themselves – and others – as ones who have achieved an ultimate humility towards their fellow creatures and inhabitants of this great, interconnected planet and would not stoop to such ignominious behavior as eating another air-breathing being; and yet, the very pride that arises from this sort of self-proclaimed self-awareness far overshadows any actual humility that may have existed to begin with and their interaction with others, especially concerning this very topic is enough to serve as ‘Exhibit A.’ “Pride is the worst viper that is in the heart; it is the first sin that ever entered into the universe, and it lies lowest of all in the foundation of the whole building of sin, and is the most secret, deceitful and unsearchable in its ways of working…” (-Jonathan Edwards, ‘Distinguishing Marks’)