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The World Peace Diet: Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony
Food is our most intimate and telling connection both with the living natural order and with our living cultural heritage. By eating the plants and animals of our earth, we literally incorporate them. It is also through this act of eating that we partake of our culture's values and paradigms at the most primal levels. It is becoming increasingly obvious, however, that the choices we make about our food are leading to environmental degradation, enormous human health problems, and unimaginable cruelty toward our fellow creatures.
Incorporating systems theory, teachings from mythology and religions, and the human sciences, The World Peace Diet presents the outlines of a more empowering understanding of our world, based on a comprehension of the far-reaching implications of our food choices and the worldview those choices reflect and mandate. The author offers a set of universal principles for all people of conscience, from any religious tradition, that they can follow to reconnect with what we are eating, what was required to get it on our plate, and what happens after it leaves our plates.
The World Peace Diet suggests how we as a species might move our consciousness forward so that we can be more free, more intelligent, more loving, and happier in the choices we make.
Now includes a full index.
Incorporating systems theory, teachings from mythology and religions, and the human sciences, The World Peace Diet presents the outlines of a more empowering understanding of our world, based on a comprehension of the far-reaching implications of our food choices and the worldview those choices reflect and mandate. The author offers a set of universal principles for all people of conscience, from any religious tradition, that they can follow to reconnect with what we are eating, what was required to get it on our plate, and what happens after it leaves our plates.
The World Peace Diet suggests how we as a species might move our consciousness forward so that we can be more free, more intelligent, more loving, and happier in the choices we make.
Now includes a full index.
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
196 people are currently reading
2988 people want to read
About the author
Will Tuttle
24 books56 followersDr. Will Tuttle, author of The World Peace Diet, is a pianist, composer, educator, and recipient of the Courage of Conscience Award. A former Zen monk, his Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley focused on educating intuition and altruism. He presents ongoing events promoting peace through compassion for all life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 2, 2016
This book is a life-changer. About 12 years ago I read a book that changed my life called "Diet for A New America" by John Robbins. It started me on a path that I continue on today, and that has changed and shaped who I am in countless positive ways.
For me, being a vegan was not only an animal rights issue, or a health issue, or an environmental issue; it was always a spiritual issue. I love to read books covering various aspects of veganism, but I don't often encounter the spiritual side of veganism (especially as it relates to non-conventional spiritual paths). FINALLY, this book addresses that topic and SO MUCH MORE. It is, quite simply, the book I have been waiting for!!! It discusses some really startling and thought-provoking information regarding the origins of our current cultural and social consciousness, including the how and why meat-eating is so deeply ingrained in our culture.
I read this on my Kindle, and I used the highlight and bookmarking feature so much that at one point I thought to myself, "geez, maybe I should just highlight the whole book!" The information is THAT relevant, THAT revolutionary. It was absolutely mind-blowing.
I have since purchased two hard copies of this book for people in my life, and I plan to continue to read it and give it to anyone I possibly can! If everyone read this book and truly took its message to heart, our society would absolutely change. The title may seem like an unreachable goal, but once you read the text you see that it is not only reachable, but the more people who embrace this lifestyle the more likely we could see this transformation occur in our lifetimes!
For me, being a vegan was not only an animal rights issue, or a health issue, or an environmental issue; it was always a spiritual issue. I love to read books covering various aspects of veganism, but I don't often encounter the spiritual side of veganism (especially as it relates to non-conventional spiritual paths). FINALLY, this book addresses that topic and SO MUCH MORE. It is, quite simply, the book I have been waiting for!!! It discusses some really startling and thought-provoking information regarding the origins of our current cultural and social consciousness, including the how and why meat-eating is so deeply ingrained in our culture.
I read this on my Kindle, and I used the highlight and bookmarking feature so much that at one point I thought to myself, "geez, maybe I should just highlight the whole book!" The information is THAT relevant, THAT revolutionary. It was absolutely mind-blowing.
I have since purchased two hard copies of this book for people in my life, and I plan to continue to read it and give it to anyone I possibly can! If everyone read this book and truly took its message to heart, our society would absolutely change. The title may seem like an unreachable goal, but once you read the text you see that it is not only reachable, but the more people who embrace this lifestyle the more likely we could see this transformation occur in our lifetimes!
April 2, 2016
This is hands-down one of the most interesting, progressive books I've ever read. Will Tuttle is courageous and thorough in his research and very clear in his expression. Everyone can benefit from this book, because at it's core, it's all about love and its unveiling.
November 18, 2019
"As we sow, so shall we reap."
An excerpt from Will Tuttle's book:
"Simply stated, we can never expect to be happy if we cause suffering to others, to be free if we confine others, to be healthy if we cause sickness in others, to be prosperous if we steal from others, or to have peace if we are violent to others and cause them to be afraid. As the Buddhists say, whatever seeds we plant and nurture through the actions of our body, speech, and mind will grow, and we will experience their fruits in our lives as abundance, joy, love, and inner peace, or anger, misery, pain, and lack. ...our mistreatment of animals has painful repercussions for us."
This book reminded me of many truths I already sensed or have known. It (re)opened my eyes to horrors I did not want to acknowledge because I don't have to see them first hand (slaughterhouses, feedlots, factory farming). His message of 'what we do to the animals, we do to ourselves' forced me to confront the inconsistencies in my own life, and his words encouraged me. For now in knowing better, I can act better, and in acting better, I can make a difference in the world.
There are so many correlations between our lives and the way we treat animals that I had never before considered. Dr. Tuttle's many explorations of our culture, animal treatment, and our inter-connectedness are profound.
An excerpt from Will Tuttle's book:
"Simply stated, we can never expect to be happy if we cause suffering to others, to be free if we confine others, to be healthy if we cause sickness in others, to be prosperous if we steal from others, or to have peace if we are violent to others and cause them to be afraid. As the Buddhists say, whatever seeds we plant and nurture through the actions of our body, speech, and mind will grow, and we will experience their fruits in our lives as abundance, joy, love, and inner peace, or anger, misery, pain, and lack. ...our mistreatment of animals has painful repercussions for us."
This book reminded me of many truths I already sensed or have known. It (re)opened my eyes to horrors I did not want to acknowledge because I don't have to see them first hand (slaughterhouses, feedlots, factory farming). His message of 'what we do to the animals, we do to ourselves' forced me to confront the inconsistencies in my own life, and his words encouraged me. For now in knowing better, I can act better, and in acting better, I can make a difference in the world.
There are so many correlations between our lives and the way we treat animals that I had never before considered. Dr. Tuttle's many explorations of our culture, animal treatment, and our inter-connectedness are profound.
March 17, 2016
While I do think it's important for people to become more conscious of the impact of their food/fashion/product choices (on their physical and emotional well-being, other beings, society and the environment), I don't think the way to do it is by reading this book. My five reasons for this are:
1. Black and white picture of the world:
The author presents an incredibly simplistic view of the world, all its problems and humanity (who are clearly defined in terms of either vegan or non-vegan).
“Our cultural predicament – the array of seemingly intractable problems that beset us, such as chronic war, terrorism, genocide, starvation, the proliferation of disease, environmental degradation, species extinction, animal abuse, consumerism, drug addiction, alienation, stress, racism, oppression of women, child abuse, corporate exploitation, materialism, poverty, injustice, and social malaise- is rooted in an essential cause that is so obvious that it has managed to remain almost completely overlooked […] until we are willing to make the connections between what we are eating and what was required to get it on our plate, and how it affects us to buy, serve and eat it, we will be unable to make the connections that will allow us to live wisely and harmoniously on this earth.” (page xv, preface).
In the author's opinion, ALL the world's problems are caused by the consumption of animal products, and can therefore be fixed by simply stopping the practice. Undoubtedly, many of the world's issues are interconnected and dependent upon each other, but correlation does not imply causation and there can't just be 1 fix for everything. That being said, there actually are many issues that “veganism” can (and does) have a positive effect on, it's just a pity that the author chose to create an idealistic, grandiose and naive image of it.
2. Preaching to the converted:
One would assume that this book was written to convert people to the vegan lifestyle (not just a “plant based” diet), and yet the evangelical tone, slated resources and new-agey yet aggressive and confrontational language, in my opinion, is enough to turn many people away from it and to further isolate the movement. By preaching to the converted, the author perpetuates the creation of self-congratulating social bubbles that so many vegans seem to create for themselves (behaviour that is not by any means exclusive to vegans, and in my opinion, never serves to truly further any meaningful cause).
3. Us-versus-them mentality:
You're either with us or against us – this comes across as the author's “vegan” message. There are countless parts of the book that either imply or outwardly suggest that:
a) Non-vegans are slaves to their cultural/social backgrounds while vegans are never subject to indoctrination/brainwashing and are immune to the impulses that drive non-vegans towards consumerist culture, etc. An example:
“Veganism is still exceedingly rare even among people who consider themselves spiritual aspirants because the forces of early social conditioning are so difficult to transform.” (page 28)
As if that is the only reason why someone would choose not to be vegan.
b) There's no such thing as a “former vegan”. For example:
“We [vegans] never 'cheat,' because that means directly harming others, which we are unwilling to do. While there are thus many 'former vegetarians,' it's unlikely that 'former vegans' were ever actually vegans; it seems doubtful that compassion authentically obtained is ever lost.” (page 94)
This, in my opinion, reinforces veganism's cult-like image.
c) Non-vegans are evil menaces to society. For example, while the author acknowledges that many slaughterhouse workers only work at these places out of necessity, he then goes on to say:
“How do people who spend their days [in slaughterhouses] […] treat their girlfriends, spouses, and children?” (page 173).
Readers are encouraged to both sympathise with slaughterhouse workers (who presumably simply don't know any better) and at the same time to consider them as evil beings who are incapable of compassion and who therefore make terrible spouses, friends and parents.
d) People are naturally “good” and eating meat makes them “bad”.
“In order to confine and kill animals for food, we must repress our natural compassion […] We are called to allow our innate mercy and kindness to shine forth and to confront the indoctrinated assumptions that promote cruelty.” (page xvii, preface)
I guess the author sides with Rousseau in the Hobbes (people are naturally bad but are civilised by society) vs. Rousseau (people are naturally good but are corrupted by society) argument on the essence of human nature, but doesn't even think it's worth justifying his opinion to the reader – he presents his opinion as a given fact that the reader is expected to take for granted.
4. Promotion of pseudoscience:
Even though there were references to interesting research and several different studies, it was impossible for me to trust any interpretations of the works provided by the author with paragraphs such as the ones below filling up a good majority of the book:
From a section titled “Eating Vibrations” (page 135) - “Animal foods concentrate both physical and metaphysical toxins […] Metaphysical toxins – i.e., the concentrated vibrations of terror, grief, frustration, and desperation permeating these foods- are invisible and completely unrecognized by conventional science, yet they may be even more disturbing to us than physical toxins because they work on the level of feelings and consciousness, which are more essential dimensions of ourselves than our physical vehicle.” (page 137)
I would hope that most people who decide to stop consuming animal products don't do so because they're afraid of the “metaphysical toxins.” Unfortunately, a non-vegan reader could be left with the impression that this is what vegans are really afraid of.
5. New-agey psychoanalysis of meat eaters:
For example:
“What is so simple as eating an apple? […] When we eat an apple we are not just eating an apple as a separate thing […] We humans, eating apples, are in a true sense apples eating apples.” (page 5)
“It seems we cannot bear the thought of growing up and leaving home. Perhaps we long for infancy and the peaceful oblivion of our mother's breast, and if hers isn't available, then we'll use the breast of any lactating mother, even if she's a cow.” (page 110)
“The devil is ironically represented as having the horns and hooves of a goat or cow […] This evil or devil is certainly, on one level at least, the projection of our own shadow – the guilt, shame and unexpressed grief we bear for the massive ongoing cruelty we engage in as eaters of animals.” (page 162)
I have to say, I should have taken a cue from the book title; it does have the words “spiritual health” in it.
As if the other negative aspects of this book weren't enough, the author really tries to drive his point home by repeating it hundreds of times within the 293 page book. The main points are repeated several times within each chapter as though the author expects the reader to not only have a very short concentration span, but to also suffer from short term memory loss.
1. Black and white picture of the world:
The author presents an incredibly simplistic view of the world, all its problems and humanity (who are clearly defined in terms of either vegan or non-vegan).
“Our cultural predicament – the array of seemingly intractable problems that beset us, such as chronic war, terrorism, genocide, starvation, the proliferation of disease, environmental degradation, species extinction, animal abuse, consumerism, drug addiction, alienation, stress, racism, oppression of women, child abuse, corporate exploitation, materialism, poverty, injustice, and social malaise- is rooted in an essential cause that is so obvious that it has managed to remain almost completely overlooked […] until we are willing to make the connections between what we are eating and what was required to get it on our plate, and how it affects us to buy, serve and eat it, we will be unable to make the connections that will allow us to live wisely and harmoniously on this earth.” (page xv, preface).
In the author's opinion, ALL the world's problems are caused by the consumption of animal products, and can therefore be fixed by simply stopping the practice. Undoubtedly, many of the world's issues are interconnected and dependent upon each other, but correlation does not imply causation and there can't just be 1 fix for everything. That being said, there actually are many issues that “veganism” can (and does) have a positive effect on, it's just a pity that the author chose to create an idealistic, grandiose and naive image of it.
2. Preaching to the converted:
One would assume that this book was written to convert people to the vegan lifestyle (not just a “plant based” diet), and yet the evangelical tone, slated resources and new-agey yet aggressive and confrontational language, in my opinion, is enough to turn many people away from it and to further isolate the movement. By preaching to the converted, the author perpetuates the creation of self-congratulating social bubbles that so many vegans seem to create for themselves (behaviour that is not by any means exclusive to vegans, and in my opinion, never serves to truly further any meaningful cause).
3. Us-versus-them mentality:
You're either with us or against us – this comes across as the author's “vegan” message. There are countless parts of the book that either imply or outwardly suggest that:
a) Non-vegans are slaves to their cultural/social backgrounds while vegans are never subject to indoctrination/brainwashing and are immune to the impulses that drive non-vegans towards consumerist culture, etc. An example:
“Veganism is still exceedingly rare even among people who consider themselves spiritual aspirants because the forces of early social conditioning are so difficult to transform.” (page 28)
As if that is the only reason why someone would choose not to be vegan.
b) There's no such thing as a “former vegan”. For example:
“We [vegans] never 'cheat,' because that means directly harming others, which we are unwilling to do. While there are thus many 'former vegetarians,' it's unlikely that 'former vegans' were ever actually vegans; it seems doubtful that compassion authentically obtained is ever lost.” (page 94)
This, in my opinion, reinforces veganism's cult-like image.
c) Non-vegans are evil menaces to society. For example, while the author acknowledges that many slaughterhouse workers only work at these places out of necessity, he then goes on to say:
“How do people who spend their days [in slaughterhouses] […] treat their girlfriends, spouses, and children?” (page 173).
Readers are encouraged to both sympathise with slaughterhouse workers (who presumably simply don't know any better) and at the same time to consider them as evil beings who are incapable of compassion and who therefore make terrible spouses, friends and parents.
d) People are naturally “good” and eating meat makes them “bad”.
“In order to confine and kill animals for food, we must repress our natural compassion […] We are called to allow our innate mercy and kindness to shine forth and to confront the indoctrinated assumptions that promote cruelty.” (page xvii, preface)
I guess the author sides with Rousseau in the Hobbes (people are naturally bad but are civilised by society) vs. Rousseau (people are naturally good but are corrupted by society) argument on the essence of human nature, but doesn't even think it's worth justifying his opinion to the reader – he presents his opinion as a given fact that the reader is expected to take for granted.
4. Promotion of pseudoscience:
Even though there were references to interesting research and several different studies, it was impossible for me to trust any interpretations of the works provided by the author with paragraphs such as the ones below filling up a good majority of the book:
From a section titled “Eating Vibrations” (page 135) - “Animal foods concentrate both physical and metaphysical toxins […] Metaphysical toxins – i.e., the concentrated vibrations of terror, grief, frustration, and desperation permeating these foods- are invisible and completely unrecognized by conventional science, yet they may be even more disturbing to us than physical toxins because they work on the level of feelings and consciousness, which are more essential dimensions of ourselves than our physical vehicle.” (page 137)
I would hope that most people who decide to stop consuming animal products don't do so because they're afraid of the “metaphysical toxins.” Unfortunately, a non-vegan reader could be left with the impression that this is what vegans are really afraid of.
5. New-agey psychoanalysis of meat eaters:
For example:
“What is so simple as eating an apple? […] When we eat an apple we are not just eating an apple as a separate thing […] We humans, eating apples, are in a true sense apples eating apples.” (page 5)
“It seems we cannot bear the thought of growing up and leaving home. Perhaps we long for infancy and the peaceful oblivion of our mother's breast, and if hers isn't available, then we'll use the breast of any lactating mother, even if she's a cow.” (page 110)
“The devil is ironically represented as having the horns and hooves of a goat or cow […] This evil or devil is certainly, on one level at least, the projection of our own shadow – the guilt, shame and unexpressed grief we bear for the massive ongoing cruelty we engage in as eaters of animals.” (page 162)
I have to say, I should have taken a cue from the book title; it does have the words “spiritual health” in it.
As if the other negative aspects of this book weren't enough, the author really tries to drive his point home by repeating it hundreds of times within the 293 page book. The main points are repeated several times within each chapter as though the author expects the reader to not only have a very short concentration span, but to also suffer from short term memory loss.
July 22, 2012
Excellent! I highly recommend this book. It is one of the most thought-provoking, profound pieces of literature I have read in a long time. If you care about living a kind, compassionate life, your health, and stopping the further destruction of the planet we all live on, you owe it to yourself to read this book. I challenge anyone to read this book and be unchanged. I feel like I have taken a spiritual journey that has left me with a renewed sense of purpose.
July 22, 2010
This has to be one of the best and most comprehensive books on why evolving to a vegan society can improve our world.
The entire book is so eloquently, patiently, and lovingly written.
The entire book is so eloquently, patiently, and lovingly written.
February 17, 2011
I learned a lot reading this book. I started reading as a vegetarian (still eating eggs and dairy) and ended with making a conscious decision to be vegan. I'm still learning, but I am already very glad I've made this decision.
Tuttle repeats himself... a lot. He also has a writing style that I'm not used to and loses my attention. There were sections that were VERY hard to get through.
I would recommend this book to people who are Veg-curious, but not the general public or people who are long-time Vegans.
Tuttle repeats himself... a lot. He also has a writing style that I'm not used to and loses my attention. There were sections that were VERY hard to get through.
I would recommend this book to people who are Veg-curious, but not the general public or people who are long-time Vegans.
September 23, 2014
"It becomes immediately obvious, though, that our collective sense of guilt about our mistreatment of animals for food makes recognizing this basic connection enormously difficult. Eating animal foods is a fundamental cause of our dilemmas, but we will squirm every which way to avoid confronting this. It is our defining blind spot and is the essential missing piece to the puzzle of human peace and freedom. Because of our culturally inherited behavior of abusing the animals we use for food and ignoring this abuse, we are exceedingly hesitant to look behind the curtain of our denial, talk with each other about the consequences of our meals, and change our behavior to reflect what we see and know. This unwillingness is socially supported and continually reinforced. (p. XVI)
"As we realize our interconnectedness with all living beings, our purpose naturally becomes to help and bless others, and it is a role we can carry without burnout or anger. The terrible suffering we see may certainly disturb and outrage us, but the outrage turns to compassion and creativity rather than to anger, despair, or vindictiveness. Rising above anger and despair while still keeping our hearts open to the ocean of cruelty, indifference, and suffering on this earth is not easy. It requires cultivating wisdom and compassion--both the inner silent receptivity that links us to the eternal truth of our being and the outer actions of serving and helping others that give meaning to our life. By creating an inner field of peace, kindness, joy, and unity, we contribute to building a planetary field of compassion that reflects this consciousness." (289)
Highly recommended.
"As we realize our interconnectedness with all living beings, our purpose naturally becomes to help and bless others, and it is a role we can carry without burnout or anger. The terrible suffering we see may certainly disturb and outrage us, but the outrage turns to compassion and creativity rather than to anger, despair, or vindictiveness. Rising above anger and despair while still keeping our hearts open to the ocean of cruelty, indifference, and suffering on this earth is not easy. It requires cultivating wisdom and compassion--both the inner silent receptivity that links us to the eternal truth of our being and the outer actions of serving and helping others that give meaning to our life. By creating an inner field of peace, kindness, joy, and unity, we contribute to building a planetary field of compassion that reflects this consciousness." (289)
Highly recommended.
July 29, 2016
The author has a lot of good information and arguments against the current state of factory farming, but overall I found many of his arguments lacking. His whole thesis is that if we all remove animal products of any kind from our diet and fully embrace a vegan life that we will rid the world of all our problems. I found many ideas good, but the overall book felt lacking and irritatingly evangelical.
March 23, 2013
Amazing read. Every aspect on the reasons for having a compassionate diet is explored. From the environmental, moral, and philosophical, this book will wake you up from clouded perspectives about consuming meat and dairy. I started this book as a vegetarian, and decided to go vegan about 1/3 of the way through. I feel healthier and happier than ever before, and this book allowed me to make that positive, simple change.
June 18, 2009
I highly recommend this book. To tell you anything about it would not do it justice. Please read this book for your own health, and for the health of humans, animals, and the planet.
August 14, 2012
Very informative and powerful truths said in the most loving way.While reading some parts I cringed. The truth hurts, but it will set you free.This book is sealing the deal of being a vegan.
April 20, 2008
This is a life-changing book. The author makes the connections our society has been unwilling or unable to make between our treatment of animals and the ills of modern society. He demonstrates that veganism is not only essential for compassionate and environmental reasons, but that it is the physically and psychologically natural way of being for our species and our only hope for peace.
December 25, 2015
Amazing & convincing to anyone that reads with an open heart. Considered taking one star off because the wording gets a little flowery / repetitive sometimes which may turn away some less open-minded readers, but decided not to because the content is well laid-out and thorough. There is really no logical reason to continue to consume animal products.
July 6, 2009
So I'm three months into not eating meat, fish or eggs. This book was recommended the day I stopped, and I'm glad I read it. It makes me feel better for my choices. It has some good information and a new look from some of the gross-you-out so you won't eat meat books.
August 16, 2011
The most intelligent life changing book I have read to date!
August 16, 2021
This is one of those books that I wish everyone would read. A good friend of mine recommended this book, and when I first heard its title, I thought, "Hmm, that sounds a little too woowoo hippie-dippie spirtualish for my taste." And maybe some parts of the book were like that. But most of it consisted of well-presented facts and strong arguments against the consumption of animal products.
He explains a lot of the history of our use of animals, how that use is deeply woven into our culture and our day-to-day lives, and how our (ab)use of animals is negatively impacting the environment and all creatures, including humans. He presents information and perspectives that I hadn't heard before in other books about animal consumption and animal rights. For example, I had never before made the connection that animal domestication/domination was the start of capitalism:
"The first money and form of capital were sheep, goats, and cattle, for only they were consumable property with tangible worth. In fact, our word 'capital' derives from capita, Latin for 'head,' as in head of cattle and sheep. The first capitalists were the herders who fought each other for land and capital and created the first kingdoms, complete with slavery, regular warfare, and power concentrated in the hands of a wealthy cattle-owning elite."
Though the title includes the word "Diet," this book is not about practical nutrition, as in getting the right nutrients, weight loss, etc. Instead, this book provides history, philosophy, and facts about the way people eat today and the impacts of our diets.
By the time I was done reading this book, I wanted to give Will Tuttle a big hug and give this book to everyone I know who cares about other people, animals, and the environment.
He explains a lot of the history of our use of animals, how that use is deeply woven into our culture and our day-to-day lives, and how our (ab)use of animals is negatively impacting the environment and all creatures, including humans. He presents information and perspectives that I hadn't heard before in other books about animal consumption and animal rights. For example, I had never before made the connection that animal domestication/domination was the start of capitalism:
"The first money and form of capital were sheep, goats, and cattle, for only they were consumable property with tangible worth. In fact, our word 'capital' derives from capita, Latin for 'head,' as in head of cattle and sheep. The first capitalists were the herders who fought each other for land and capital and created the first kingdoms, complete with slavery, regular warfare, and power concentrated in the hands of a wealthy cattle-owning elite."
Though the title includes the word "Diet," this book is not about practical nutrition, as in getting the right nutrients, weight loss, etc. Instead, this book provides history, philosophy, and facts about the way people eat today and the impacts of our diets.
By the time I was done reading this book, I wanted to give Will Tuttle a big hug and give this book to everyone I know who cares about other people, animals, and the environment.
December 18, 2018
Ăn chay nhìn dưới góc độ triết học thì sẽ như thế nào? Đọc cuốn sách này rồi bạn sẽ có câu trả lời.
Cuốn sách này không có các công thức nấu ăn chay, nấu ăn dinh dưỡng. Nhưng nó chứa đựng tất cả những triết lí về việc ăn chay. Sự ảnh hưởng của việc thực tập ăn chay lên cá nhân và xã hội.
Ngoài ra, bạn cũng sẽ khá sốc khi đọc những phân tích về tội ác mà con người gây ra cho muôn loài xung quanh.
Chúa sơn lâm có thể là loài đáng sợ nhất trong rừng thảm. Nhưng nếu phải chỉ ra một kẻ hủy hoại kinh khủng nhất trên quả đất này, không ai khác đó chính là con người, là chúng ta. Đọc
Cuốn sách này không có các công thức nấu ăn chay, nấu ăn dinh dưỡng. Nhưng nó chứa đựng tất cả những triết lí về việc ăn chay. Sự ảnh hưởng của việc thực tập ăn chay lên cá nhân và xã hội.
Ngoài ra, bạn cũng sẽ khá sốc khi đọc những phân tích về tội ác mà con người gây ra cho muôn loài xung quanh.
Chúa sơn lâm có thể là loài đáng sợ nhất trong rừng thảm. Nhưng nếu phải chỉ ra một kẻ hủy hoại kinh khủng nhất trên quả đất này, không ai khác đó chính là con người, là chúng ta. Đọc
June 1, 2021
Cuốn này tưởng không hay mà hóa ra hay không tưởng. Nó khiến tôi phải suy tính đến việc ăn chay luôn là các bạn biết rồi đó. Hồi xưa Việt Nam thực phẩm bẩn mới xuất hiện, tôi cứ ngỡ ở nước ngoài sẽ nhân đạo hơn, cơ mà hóa ra không phải. Thực phẩm rác của Mỹ nó mua đứt luôn truyền thông và bác sĩ ở đó rồi. Nó đã che mờ mắt người dân về nguồn gốc của thức ăn bẩn, coi chế độ ăn junk food là chế độ ăn tiêu chuẩn để khỏe mạnh. Nên nếu bạn đi gặp bác sĩ mà họ bảo hãy ăn kiêng đi thì hãy cảm tạ vị bác sĩ đó nhé. Vì ông ấy đã thực lòng muốn tốt cho bệnh nhân. Qua cuốn này mới thấy không phải cái gì của nước ngoài cũng tốt nhé, cả trong cuốn Ăn gì không chết cũng nói rằng những viên thuốc bổ sung chất cũng gây chết người và độc hại chả kém gì. Tốt nhất vẫn nên quay về với chế độ ăn thực vật. Mình đã chuyển qua chế độ ăn Eat Clean gần 1 năm nay và luôn muốn giới thiệu mọi người về chế độ ăn này, nhưng có rất ít người chịu nghe mình nói huống chi là làm theo. Chỉ là mình thấy từ ngày chuyển sang ăn nhiều thực vật, body và da của mình cực kì đẹp, và mình rất hài lòng về điều đó
Read
March 18, 2011Will Tuttle proposes that all the violence, exploitation, and dysfunction we experience in our society has its origin in what he calls the "herding culture", our millennia-long practice of using animals for food. It's a compelling idea, and I read the entire book to see where he was going with this. As a long-time vegan, I'm well aware of the horrendous cruelty we inflict in raising, confining, and torturing animals in factory farms; Tuttle's chapters describing this are vivid and convincing. That our collective health suffers greatly from eating animal products is also well-established. He points out the depth of invisibility and unquestioned support that characterizes meat-eating and animal exploitation. I liked his chapters on the role of religion and science in this, and his description of his own personal journey. By emphasizing the spiritual aspect, he inspires as well as informs.
However, I still have doubts about whether some aspects of social dysfunction and even violence would be eliminated if everyone became vegan. For example, Tuttle writes that our high incidence of family breakdown is caused by our breaking up families of farm animals, that we are stressed because we stress animals, that overconsumption of unnecessary goods would disappear among vegans. I see family breakdown as a result of young people moving far away from elders, the perceived or actual necessity of two incomes, and no social glue to help couples stay together. Stress comes from our strong individualism that resists compromise, from commuting and job dissatisfaction or job loss, from relationship fragility, from needing surplus money to enable status-related consumption, and from debt, among other factors. As for that overconsumption, a brief look at vegetarian magazines shows numerous ads for luxury goods and the encouragement of planet-threatening long distance air travel merely for pleasure. Regarding violence in an all-vegan society, even if we determined never to undertake an offensive war, might we retaliate if attacked by a brutal (non-vegan) regime? Might there still be crimes of passion?
Because even vegans disagree on some of these points, this turned out to be an excellent choice for our Well-Read Veg book club.
However, I still have doubts about whether some aspects of social dysfunction and even violence would be eliminated if everyone became vegan. For example, Tuttle writes that our high incidence of family breakdown is caused by our breaking up families of farm animals, that we are stressed because we stress animals, that overconsumption of unnecessary goods would disappear among vegans. I see family breakdown as a result of young people moving far away from elders, the perceived or actual necessity of two incomes, and no social glue to help couples stay together. Stress comes from our strong individualism that resists compromise, from commuting and job dissatisfaction or job loss, from relationship fragility, from needing surplus money to enable status-related consumption, and from debt, among other factors. As for that overconsumption, a brief look at vegetarian magazines shows numerous ads for luxury goods and the encouragement of planet-threatening long distance air travel merely for pleasure. Regarding violence in an all-vegan society, even if we determined never to undertake an offensive war, might we retaliate if attacked by a brutal (non-vegan) regime? Might there still be crimes of passion?
Because even vegans disagree on some of these points, this turned out to be an excellent choice for our Well-Read Veg book club.
October 30, 2017
An extremely powerful, illuminating, provocative and heart-touching book. For people who eat meat and animals, this book should be a must-read for you; for people who do not eat any animal products, and chose to be an ethical vegan, reading this book will reinforce why you became an ethical vegan--a thousand fold.
Dr. Tuttle addresses the complacency and deep lack of consciousness and denial that happens when eating animals, and how we have been conditioned and indoctrinated individually and collectively from birth, to dominate and enslave them for our self-satisfaction and selfish purposes, without even thinking about the deep suffering, horrendous brutality, and constant pain and torment these animals must endure and experience for our dining tables. He talks about the complete and utter disconnection we have and we maintain from our food that comes from animals, and how our ability to disassociate from them--to look the other way to avoid feeling any guilt--and completely ignore the suffering we cause these sentient beings, is at the root of our deep individual despair and guilt and is the basis of our own suffering. "What we do to them, we do to ourselves," says Dr. Tuttle, through our culture of inflicting violence, enslavement and suffering to each other.
He offers that through mindful and conscious eating by removing animals from our plates, illuminates our connections and associations to all sentient beings and their vulnerability, makes us more deeply compassionate people, cleanses our hearts of guilt, purifies our minds and creates greater peace in our own lives by removing the "mask" we wear that "entitles us" to eat other feeling, sentient, vulnerable beings---painfully enslaved and slaughtered for the sole self-centered purpose of consuming them, because we can and think we have the right to.
This is a deeply spiritual book that you will never forget.
Dr. Tuttle addresses the complacency and deep lack of consciousness and denial that happens when eating animals, and how we have been conditioned and indoctrinated individually and collectively from birth, to dominate and enslave them for our self-satisfaction and selfish purposes, without even thinking about the deep suffering, horrendous brutality, and constant pain and torment these animals must endure and experience for our dining tables. He talks about the complete and utter disconnection we have and we maintain from our food that comes from animals, and how our ability to disassociate from them--to look the other way to avoid feeling any guilt--and completely ignore the suffering we cause these sentient beings, is at the root of our deep individual despair and guilt and is the basis of our own suffering. "What we do to them, we do to ourselves," says Dr. Tuttle, through our culture of inflicting violence, enslavement and suffering to each other.
He offers that through mindful and conscious eating by removing animals from our plates, illuminates our connections and associations to all sentient beings and their vulnerability, makes us more deeply compassionate people, cleanses our hearts of guilt, purifies our minds and creates greater peace in our own lives by removing the "mask" we wear that "entitles us" to eat other feeling, sentient, vulnerable beings---painfully enslaved and slaughtered for the sole self-centered purpose of consuming them, because we can and think we have the right to.
This is a deeply spiritual book that you will never forget.
December 15, 2015
this book has to be one of the most complete and thorough works of veganism that I've come across. it covers all areas including the common practices of the meat and dairy industry, the ethics of eating animals, the effects to our health, the environmental damage, the political aspect regarding government intrusion/manipulation in the industry and my very favorite- the spiritual/mystical aspects of abstaining from animal consumption and how that can lead us to world peace.
truly enlightening. author's position is very logical and convincing as he did an immense amount of research to back up his claims. I recommend this to both newbies and experienced vegans and to anyone seeking to increase their consciousness and bring about world peace. the ripple effects of practicing the lifestyle prescribed here has the potential to affect humanity at large... helping us develop spiritually, physically improving our health, mentally bringing clarity, and morally being more aligned to the values we already possess . .. Veganism is the ultimate non-violence approach to nourishing our bodies.
truly enlightening. author's position is very logical and convincing as he did an immense amount of research to back up his claims. I recommend this to both newbies and experienced vegans and to anyone seeking to increase their consciousness and bring about world peace. the ripple effects of practicing the lifestyle prescribed here has the potential to affect humanity at large... helping us develop spiritually, physically improving our health, mentally bringing clarity, and morally being more aligned to the values we already possess . .. Veganism is the ultimate non-violence approach to nourishing our bodies.
February 21, 2015
Will Tuttle articulates with clear and often graphic language how the eating of meat and the objectifying of animals is intrinsically linked to the violence and domination systems present in our society.
Tuttle argues that humans are herbivores by design but, as climate began to change, meat eating became necessary for survival. Today the climate is changing again, and so has the nature of meat and its "harvesting" for that matter, so that those with the means to do so are urged to adopt and work for plant-based eating. Plants, although living, unlike animals do not have nervous systems and therefore do not feel pain or experience fear. Meat-eating is simply not sustainable for our planet for a host of reasons mentioned in this book.
"The World Peace Diet" utilizes the major religious traditions and calls upon those who follow them to embrace the universal call in all of them to "be kind to one another."
I've listened to the book and now want to buy the hard copy . . . very captivating and a high recommendation from me!
Tuttle argues that humans are herbivores by design but, as climate began to change, meat eating became necessary for survival. Today the climate is changing again, and so has the nature of meat and its "harvesting" for that matter, so that those with the means to do so are urged to adopt and work for plant-based eating. Plants, although living, unlike animals do not have nervous systems and therefore do not feel pain or experience fear. Meat-eating is simply not sustainable for our planet for a host of reasons mentioned in this book.
"The World Peace Diet" utilizes the major religious traditions and calls upon those who follow them to embrace the universal call in all of them to "be kind to one another."
I've listened to the book and now want to buy the hard copy . . . very captivating and a high recommendation from me!
September 30, 2012
This book challeges core beliefs of our culture and truly could lead the way to world peace. The author links our herding culture and meat obsessive diet to almost all the ills confronting our world. Much of this was not new to me since I read often on the topics of nutrition and vegetarianism, but it did cause me to make some new connections. I do wish all our corporate and political leaders would read this and put some thought into changing our food system. For now, I will do my part by eating in a way that adds peace to the people, animals and environment of our planet.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is that it is overly wordy and repetitive at times and some sections were tedious to get through. With a bit of editing, this is a 5 star, life changing book.
For a better written book on a similar topic, see Eating Animals.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is that it is overly wordy and repetitive at times and some sections were tedious to get through. With a bit of editing, this is a 5 star, life changing book.
For a better written book on a similar topic, see Eating Animals.
August 1, 2008
Although I became a vegetarian over a year ago, I found this book to be an important reminder as to why it is important to consume as few animal products as possible. In this book, Tuttle make connections between the current government, medical industry, and food industry and illustrates why the research suggesting improvement in our health does not surface in the mainstream culture. Further, he discusses how the herding culture from thousands of years ago still controls our culture today. Beyond the studies included in the book, I appreciated his discussion of the transformation that happened in his life. We need to become aware of the harm we cause other beings and ourselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2015
There is definitely a relationship between our spirituality and how we eat, but whether we become more spiritual by eating more mindfully or we eat more mindfully as we become more spiritual is quite the question. Perhaps being and doing coincide, and either method properly pursued will lead to growth in the other area. I had high hopes for this book from the title and so it took me a little bit to get into it, I think because I had unrealistic expectations, but by the end really enjoyed it's contribution to the discourse on how to live a more peaceful life and how integral eating is to every aspect of our lives.
May 27, 2009
One more reason to become vegetarian/vegan: world peace. After 18 or so years, I hadn't thought I needed any more reason than the animals, health and the environment, but this book convinced me. I'll try to write more about this book later.
February 7, 2017
Trong 4 quyển về thực dưỡng mình đã mua, mặc dù chỉ mới đọc 2 quyển, mình tin rằng quyển này cho mình cái nhìn toàn cảnh nhất về thức ăn mà con người đưa vào trong bao tử mỗi ngày.
Có một số câu hỏi mà khi đọc sách, mình đã lần đầu tiên đặt lại câu hỏi cho bản thân như một triết lý:
1) Liệu có phải con người ăn gì cũng được, miễn sao ăn vô không bị...chết? Đặc biệt là danh sách thức ăn hoặc món ngon vật lạ ngày càng được giới thiệu và đôi khi người ta đem ra để chứng tỏ bản thân: ăn rắn rít, bò cạp, ăn hoa, ăn từ trên rừng, xuống biển, sâu trong lòng đất? Mình tin rằng nếu trên Sao hỏa/mặt trăng có cái gì cho con người ăn vô không chết thì cũng dám là người ta sẽ mở nhà hàng kinh doanh.
2) Có phải chúng ta ăn không chỉ để nuôi sống bản thân, còn thưởng thức nó, còn dùng để sáng tạo như một nghệ thuật: nghệ thuật ẩm thực?
3) Bản chất của việc ăn là gì?
Ngoài ra, có những vấn đề mà lâu nay vì thói quen, vì nhắm mắt làm ngơ, vì truyền thông, mình chẳng bao giờ tìm hiểu sâu hơn như:
4) Mình biết là sữa đang uống là sữa bò. Nhưng làm gì mà lúc nào cũng có sữa bò để uống quanh năm suốt tháng vậy? Hồi đó mình từng nghe từ: bò sữa, bò thịt và nghĩ ngu ngơ (ngu thiệt) là có loại bò chuyên cho sữa và loại bò chuyên cho thịt.
5)Muốn khỏe, mập thì phải ăn đạm. Đạm này lấy từ thịt như cá, gà, heo, bò,...
6) Hải sản lúc nào cũng ngon và mình thích ăn hải sản.
7) Muốn khỏe thì nên ăn nhiều rau. Vai trò của rau (hay thực vật) đơn giản chỉ là cung cấp vitamin và chất xơ.
8) Mỗi lần thấy ở nhà làm gà mình thường trốn không xem vì ... sợ. Vậy thịt mua siêu thị ăn mỗi ngày thì sao? Nó không làm đau con vật nào hay sao?
9) Sữa là thức ăn bổ dưỡng nhất, đầy đủ đạm, vitamin,...
...
Hóa ra, đằng sau việc ăn uống của con người là một bức tranh vô cùng tàn bạo cho tự nhiên, cho những con vật và cho chính con người.
Thật sự, đọc từng trang quyển sách này, mình rất ám ảnh. Ám ảnh những thứ đưa vào miệng mình hiện nay.
- Muốn có sữa cho chúng ta uống mỗi ngày, con bò phải mang thai và sinh con. Để tăng năng suất, người ta bơm tinh trùng vào bò cái, cho nó mang thai. Ngay khi nó sinh bò con, sữa nó bị vắt, bò con nếu là bò cái sẽ cho ăn thức ăn mau lớn để mang thai, cho sữa. Nếu là bò đực sẽ cho nuôi lấy thịt. Và suốt đời, con bò cái sẽ mang thai liên tục không ngừng nghỉ để cho sữa, khi nào hết được sử dụng thì bị giết và nghiền thành sức ăn gia súc. Trong quá trình đó, nó được thúc hóa chất cho ăn để mau lớn, tiêm kháng sinh liên tục để giảm bệnh, vú bị vắt sữa nên viêm nhiễm, có mủ,.. và những thứ đó hòa tan trực tiếp vào trong sữa.
- Công nghệ nuôi gà, heo,... cũng y chang.
- Để nuôi bò, gà, heo, chúng ta cần ngũ cốc để cho nó ăn. Lượng ngũ cốc đó đủ cho những nơi mà người ta đang chết đói. Nói nôm na, để nuôi lấy thịt cho 1 đứa trẻ nhà giàu ăn thì có 10 đứa trẻ nhà nghèo chết đói vì không có ngũ cốc để ăn.
- Phân của gia cầm, gia súc thật sự gây ô nhiễm nguồn nước và môi trường nghiêm trọng (cứ xem những bài báo tố cáo TH true milk ở VN thì rõ, nhưng tiền đã bưng bít thông tin).
- Mọi chất thải trên trái đất cuối cùng đều đổ ra biển. Và biển vẫn cứ xanh trong nhờ sinh vật dưới biển ăn và lọc. Mà môi trường của chúng ta ngày càng bị ô nhiễm, biển càng ô nhiễm. Những chất độc đó được tôm, cá, hải sản ăn vào. Do đó, hải sản còn độc hơn là vật nuôi.
- Tất cả con vật đều có dây thần kinh, có cảm xúc và biết đau đớn. Khi chúng ta hiển nhiên giết nó ăn thịt, chúng ta mặc nhiên chấp nhận bạo lực và bạo lực sẽ không thể nào chấm dứt ở thế giới loài người.
Vậy con người mà tạo hóa sinh ra chỉ nên ăn gì?
Chúng ta không thể là loại ăn thịt. Chúng ta không có răng nanh để xé thịt như những loài động vật ăn thịt khác. Thật sự, bộ răng con người giống bộ răng của loài ăn thực vật. Và hệ tiêu hóa lẫn sự chuyển hóa các chất trong cơ thể con người chỉ phù hợp với thức ăn là thực vật. Do ăn thịt mà chúng ta càng ngày càng sinh ra nhiều bệnh. Những thức ăn từ thịt đưa vào trong cơ thể chúng ta không phù hợp với tạo hóa. Đạm từ các loại đậu đủ để nuôi sống chúng ta một cách lành mạnh và không làm hại hay đau đớn bất kỳ con vật nào.
Cách chúng ta đối xử với con vật ra sao, rồi cũng quay lại với con người. Đó là một vấn đề mang tính tâm linh.
Tại sao những thông tin như thế này không phổ biến?
Vì ngành công nghiệp hàng tỉ đô la, sự dối trá của truyền thông quảng cáo và sự tham lam vô minh của con người.
Có một số câu hỏi mà khi đọc sách, mình đã lần đầu tiên đặt lại câu hỏi cho bản thân như một triết lý:
1) Liệu có phải con người ăn gì cũng được, miễn sao ăn vô không bị...chết? Đặc biệt là danh sách thức ăn hoặc món ngon vật lạ ngày càng được giới thiệu và đôi khi người ta đem ra để chứng tỏ bản thân: ăn rắn rít, bò cạp, ăn hoa, ăn từ trên rừng, xuống biển, sâu trong lòng đất? Mình tin rằng nếu trên Sao hỏa/mặt trăng có cái gì cho con người ăn vô không chết thì cũng dám là người ta sẽ mở nhà hàng kinh doanh.
2) Có phải chúng ta ăn không chỉ để nuôi sống bản thân, còn thưởng thức nó, còn dùng để sáng tạo như một nghệ thuật: nghệ thuật ẩm thực?
3) Bản chất của việc ăn là gì?
Ngoài ra, có những vấn đề mà lâu nay vì thói quen, vì nhắm mắt làm ngơ, vì truyền thông, mình chẳng bao giờ tìm hiểu sâu hơn như:
4) Mình biết là sữa đang uống là sữa bò. Nhưng làm gì mà lúc nào cũng có sữa bò để uống quanh năm suốt tháng vậy? Hồi đó mình từng nghe từ: bò sữa, bò thịt và nghĩ ngu ngơ (ngu thiệt) là có loại bò chuyên cho sữa và loại bò chuyên cho thịt.
5)Muốn khỏe, mập thì phải ăn đạm. Đạm này lấy từ thịt như cá, gà, heo, bò,...
6) Hải sản lúc nào cũng ngon và mình thích ăn hải sản.
7) Muốn khỏe thì nên ăn nhiều rau. Vai trò của rau (hay thực vật) đơn giản chỉ là cung cấp vitamin và chất xơ.
8) Mỗi lần thấy ở nhà làm gà mình thường trốn không xem vì ... sợ. Vậy thịt mua siêu thị ăn mỗi ngày thì sao? Nó không làm đau con vật nào hay sao?
9) Sữa là thức ăn bổ dưỡng nhất, đầy đủ đạm, vitamin,...
...
Hóa ra, đằng sau việc ăn uống của con người là một bức tranh vô cùng tàn bạo cho tự nhiên, cho những con vật và cho chính con người.
Thật sự, đọc từng trang quyển sách này, mình rất ám ảnh. Ám ảnh những thứ đưa vào miệng mình hiện nay.
- Muốn có sữa cho chúng ta uống mỗi ngày, con bò phải mang thai và sinh con. Để tăng năng suất, người ta bơm tinh trùng vào bò cái, cho nó mang thai. Ngay khi nó sinh bò con, sữa nó bị vắt, bò con nếu là bò cái sẽ cho ăn thức ăn mau lớn để mang thai, cho sữa. Nếu là bò đực sẽ cho nuôi lấy thịt. Và suốt đời, con bò cái sẽ mang thai liên tục không ngừng nghỉ để cho sữa, khi nào hết được sử dụng thì bị giết và nghiền thành sức ăn gia súc. Trong quá trình đó, nó được thúc hóa chất cho ăn để mau lớn, tiêm kháng sinh liên tục để giảm bệnh, vú bị vắt sữa nên viêm nhiễm, có mủ,.. và những thứ đó hòa tan trực tiếp vào trong sữa.
- Công nghệ nuôi gà, heo,... cũng y chang.
- Để nuôi bò, gà, heo, chúng ta cần ngũ cốc để cho nó ăn. Lượng ngũ cốc đó đủ cho những nơi mà người ta đang chết đói. Nói nôm na, để nuôi lấy thịt cho 1 đứa trẻ nhà giàu ăn thì có 10 đứa trẻ nhà nghèo chết đói vì không có ngũ cốc để ăn.
- Phân của gia cầm, gia súc thật sự gây ô nhiễm nguồn nước và môi trường nghiêm trọng (cứ xem những bài báo tố cáo TH true milk ở VN thì rõ, nhưng tiền đã bưng bít thông tin).
- Mọi chất thải trên trái đất cuối cùng đều đổ ra biển. Và biển vẫn cứ xanh trong nhờ sinh vật dưới biển ăn và lọc. Mà môi trường của chúng ta ngày càng bị ô nhiễm, biển càng ô nhiễm. Những chất độc đó được tôm, cá, hải sản ăn vào. Do đó, hải sản còn độc hơn là vật nuôi.
- Tất cả con vật đều có dây thần kinh, có cảm xúc và biết đau đớn. Khi chúng ta hiển nhiên giết nó ăn thịt, chúng ta mặc nhiên chấp nhận bạo lực và bạo lực sẽ không thể nào chấm dứt ở thế giới loài người.
Vậy con người mà tạo hóa sinh ra chỉ nên ăn gì?
Chúng ta không thể là loại ăn thịt. Chúng ta không có răng nanh để xé thịt như những loài động vật ăn thịt khác. Thật sự, bộ răng con người giống bộ răng của loài ăn thực vật. Và hệ tiêu hóa lẫn sự chuyển hóa các chất trong cơ thể con người chỉ phù hợp với thức ăn là thực vật. Do ăn thịt mà chúng ta càng ngày càng sinh ra nhiều bệnh. Những thức ăn từ thịt đưa vào trong cơ thể chúng ta không phù hợp với tạo hóa. Đạm từ các loại đậu đủ để nuôi sống chúng ta một cách lành mạnh và không làm hại hay đau đớn bất kỳ con vật nào.
Cách chúng ta đối xử với con vật ra sao, rồi cũng quay lại với con người. Đó là một vấn đề mang tính tâm linh.
Tại sao những thông tin như thế này không phổ biến?
Vì ngành công nghiệp hàng tỉ đô la, sự dối trá của truyền thông quảng cáo và sự tham lam vô minh của con người.
January 20, 2011
“We therefore avoid looking deeply at our food if it is of animal origin, and this practice of avoidance and denial, applied to eating, our most basic activity and vital ritual, carries over automatically into our entire public and private life. We know, deep down, that we cannot look deeply anywhere, for if we do, we will have to look deeply into the enormous suffering our food choices directly cause. So we learn to stay shallow and to be willingly blind to the connections we could see. Otherwise, our remorse and guilt would be too painful to bear. The acknowledged truth would also conflict too strongly with our self-image, causing serious cognitive dissonance and emotional disturbance. We choose to ignore, and thus choose to be ignorant and inattentive.”
________________________________________
Why do some people learn about the plight of animals exploited for food and Go Vegan, while others are exposed to the exact same information and choose to turn away from it? It is understandable that many people (in spite of us chicken-huggers) have never been made to understand the true horrors of factory farming. There are humans who still believe the “Old MacDonald’s Farm” myth where animals are treated like members of the family until they are finally slaughtered in a humane way so that they don’t have to endure pain or disease. Whatever. As Edward O. Wilson says, “people would rather believe than know.”
I recently had a discussion with a non-vegan about diet choices. She said “I have encountered some obnoxiously militant, sanctimonious vegetarians.” (She has obviously met me!) I told her that I find meat-eaters to be extremely defensive about eating meat. So I was very pleased to come across this in The World Peace Diet:
“The reason that indoctrinated beliefs resist being contemplated or questioned is that we did not arrive at them freely, on our own. If we are challenged in a belief that we have struggled within ourselves to attain, we feel energized and welcome an opportunity to deepen our understanding, to exchange, to grow. If the belief has been indoctrinated, however, we feel nervous and irritated if it’s challenged. It’s not our belief, and yet we believe it.”
I thought that was brilliant and that it explained a lot. Much later in the book, Dr. Tuttle says:
“The vegan commitment to consciously minimize our cruelty to all animals is so revolutionary in its implications that it is often summarily dismissed because it triggers cognitive dissonance and deep anxiety.”
I still don’t have the answer to why one person chooses compassion while another chooses apathy, but I may have gained some insight.
The World Peace Diet is about so much more than why people choose to be (or not to be) Vegan. But this is not a book review and these were the parts of the books which spoke most to me at this time. Some of my other favorite quotes:
Compassion is ethical intelligence.
Veganism is still exceedingly rare even among people who consider themselves spiritual aspirants because the forces of early social conditioning are so difficult to transform.
We humans are highly sensitive to social pressure. We are surrounded by a culture of omnivorism as fish live surrounded by water.
Self-centered craving for pleasure and fulfillment at the expense of others is the antithesis of the Golden Rule and of every standard of morality.
… we’ve all been told what to eat our entire lives, and that’s the only reason we eat animal foods.
… we cannot sow seeds of slavery and cruelty and reap the fruit of freedom and health.
Do I recommend the book? Absolutely. Especially if you are a spiritual person. Dr. Tuttle claims that Jesus was actually a vegan (although the truth about that was distorted in writings that ended up in the Bible); that animals have souls; and that when Jesus stormed the temple - it was an act of animal liberation. I don’t know about you, but thinking of Jesus as the original ALF makes me respect him even more. ☼
Charlotte Duncan
________________________________________
Why do some people learn about the plight of animals exploited for food and Go Vegan, while others are exposed to the exact same information and choose to turn away from it? It is understandable that many people (in spite of us chicken-huggers) have never been made to understand the true horrors of factory farming. There are humans who still believe the “Old MacDonald’s Farm” myth where animals are treated like members of the family until they are finally slaughtered in a humane way so that they don’t have to endure pain or disease. Whatever. As Edward O. Wilson says, “people would rather believe than know.”
I recently had a discussion with a non-vegan about diet choices. She said “I have encountered some obnoxiously militant, sanctimonious vegetarians.” (She has obviously met me!) I told her that I find meat-eaters to be extremely defensive about eating meat. So I was very pleased to come across this in The World Peace Diet:
“The reason that indoctrinated beliefs resist being contemplated or questioned is that we did not arrive at them freely, on our own. If we are challenged in a belief that we have struggled within ourselves to attain, we feel energized and welcome an opportunity to deepen our understanding, to exchange, to grow. If the belief has been indoctrinated, however, we feel nervous and irritated if it’s challenged. It’s not our belief, and yet we believe it.”
I thought that was brilliant and that it explained a lot. Much later in the book, Dr. Tuttle says:
“The vegan commitment to consciously minimize our cruelty to all animals is so revolutionary in its implications that it is often summarily dismissed because it triggers cognitive dissonance and deep anxiety.”
I still don’t have the answer to why one person chooses compassion while another chooses apathy, but I may have gained some insight.
The World Peace Diet is about so much more than why people choose to be (or not to be) Vegan. But this is not a book review and these were the parts of the books which spoke most to me at this time. Some of my other favorite quotes:
Compassion is ethical intelligence.
Veganism is still exceedingly rare even among people who consider themselves spiritual aspirants because the forces of early social conditioning are so difficult to transform.
We humans are highly sensitive to social pressure. We are surrounded by a culture of omnivorism as fish live surrounded by water.
Self-centered craving for pleasure and fulfillment at the expense of others is the antithesis of the Golden Rule and of every standard of morality.
… we’ve all been told what to eat our entire lives, and that’s the only reason we eat animal foods.
… we cannot sow seeds of slavery and cruelty and reap the fruit of freedom and health.
Do I recommend the book? Absolutely. Especially if you are a spiritual person. Dr. Tuttle claims that Jesus was actually a vegan (although the truth about that was distorted in writings that ended up in the Bible); that animals have souls; and that when Jesus stormed the temple - it was an act of animal liberation. I don’t know about you, but thinking of Jesus as the original ALF makes me respect him even more. ☼
Charlotte Duncan
April 14, 2016
Will Tuttle makes many important arguments about a plant-based life-style, though sadly he presents them through an absolutist, pseudoscientific/pseudospiritual, new-age manner. The slaughter of animals is horrific but it is not the cause or source of all that is wrong with our world.
Tuttle appeals to real science, like Dr. Michael Greger, but he also links meat eating, developmental psychology appealing to vibrations or frequencies of emotions. Perhaps intended as rhetoric his appeal to all things "natural" is alarming, such as not wearing glasses/corrective lenses to avoid Big Optometry.
Disregarding complex theological and philosophical systems, Tuttle appeals to the opinions of a few thinkers within various traditions as representative of “True” beliefs on food. Insisting on the compatibility of these traditions Tuttle assumes absolute moral and religious authority by claiming his view is the correct interpretation of these traditions.
The World Peace Diet offers an absolutist view on food, compassion and veganism. I hope people will take to heart the vegan message, but I certainly hope people find better resources than The World Peace Diet.
For anyone interested in learning more about food in general I recommend reading:
Michael Pollen's The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food
For Plant-based perspectives in particular I suggest
How Not to Die - Dr. Michael Greger
Eating Animals - Jonathan Safran-Foer
Tuttle appeals to real science, like Dr. Michael Greger, but he also links meat eating, developmental psychology appealing to vibrations or frequencies of emotions. Perhaps intended as rhetoric his appeal to all things "natural" is alarming, such as not wearing glasses/corrective lenses to avoid Big Optometry.
Disregarding complex theological and philosophical systems, Tuttle appeals to the opinions of a few thinkers within various traditions as representative of “True” beliefs on food. Insisting on the compatibility of these traditions Tuttle assumes absolute moral and religious authority by claiming his view is the correct interpretation of these traditions.
The World Peace Diet offers an absolutist view on food, compassion and veganism. I hope people will take to heart the vegan message, but I certainly hope people find better resources than The World Peace Diet.
For anyone interested in learning more about food in general I recommend reading:
Michael Pollen's The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food
For Plant-based perspectives in particular I suggest
How Not to Die - Dr. Michael Greger
Eating Animals - Jonathan Safran-Foer
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