What do you think?
Rate this book
Vystopia: the anguish of being vegan in a non-vegan world
This book is the first of its kind to identify the existential crisis faced by vegans. Vystopia is the normal response any feeling human being should have after discovering the nature and extent of society’s systematised animal abuse. It’s fuelled by the trance-like collusion of non-vegans with a dystopian world they’ve not yet realised they’re part of.
Bestselling author Clare Mann, a vegan psychologist, communications trainer and existential psychotherapist, not only validates the vegan’s experience, but rejects medical labels which claim such anguish is abnormal. As a telling witness to vystopia – a term she coined in 2017 – she provides vegans with a language and toolbox to work through their anguish, and unite with others to examine the biggest social justice challenge of our time: our relationship with the animal kingdom.
Bestselling author Clare Mann, a vegan psychologist, communications trainer and existential psychotherapist, not only validates the vegan’s experience, but rejects medical labels which claim such anguish is abnormal. As a telling witness to vystopia – a term she coined in 2017 – she provides vegans with a language and toolbox to work through their anguish, and unite with others to examine the biggest social justice challenge of our time: our relationship with the animal kingdom.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2018
45 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Clare Mann
15 books14 followersClare Mann is an Australian-based psychologist, existential psycho-therapist, best-selling author, speaker, and communications trainer. She consults with people worldwide to help address the personal and social challenges of being vegan and living in a non-vegan world.
https://veganpsychologist.com
https://veganpsychologist.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 17, 2018
What a disappointment. This is barely worthy of a blog post, let alone an entire book. Though it seems to be marketed to vegans, the first 97 (of 141) pages are devoted to explaining why vegans might be depressed by constantly experiencing how invisible their ideals are to most people. Since a vegan would already be thoroughly familiar with the roots of their "anguish," it serves no purpose but to fill space.
Then she reveals her 10-point solution to "vystopia" and it's exactly the same stuff you've seen a million times already: exercise, good nutrition, meditation, &c. She then spends a few pages explaining how to communicate vegan values clearly. That's it. That's the book.
I would have given it two stars because maybe someone who doesn't have internet access could find it vaguely helpful, but on page 92 she attempts to draw an implicit parallel between veganism and belief in chemtrails. Grouping vegans with fringe-dwelling conspiracy theorists is not doing the animals any favors.
Garbage.
Then she reveals her 10-point solution to "vystopia" and it's exactly the same stuff you've seen a million times already: exercise, good nutrition, meditation, &c. She then spends a few pages explaining how to communicate vegan values clearly. That's it. That's the book.
I would have given it two stars because maybe someone who doesn't have internet access could find it vaguely helpful, but on page 92 she attempts to draw an implicit parallel between veganism and belief in chemtrails. Grouping vegans with fringe-dwelling conspiracy theorists is not doing the animals any favors.
Garbage.
December 2, 2020
Yes, I am a vegan and have been involved in animal advocacy for many years. I had very mixed feelings on this one.
I thought of the intended audience for this book as people I have known over the years: The newly-minted vegan who is just learning about the incredible amount of abuse our culture heaps upon animals and is saddened and frustrated when their attempts at activism with their friends and family is rebuffed; or the person who already struggles with mental health issues who takes up a social cause with the same zeal that others in their situation sometimes take up religion.
Those in these situations need advice, both for their own sakes and for the animals whose suffering may be compounded by off-putting activism. (Obviously, those individuals who are ill will need medical care to get back on an even keel, as well.) However, while some of the advice in this book is good, other, I fear, is not and may even be further damaging.
I wondered at various points why the author bemoaned being called a conspiracy theorist; I have been accused of being many things over my years as an animal advocate, but “conspiracy theorist” hasn’t been one of them. Then she mentioned her belief in chemtrails and it all came into focus. I facepalmed. Hard. Vegans aren’t immune from the world of conspiracism, as other authors have noted. However, for the struggling audience this book is geared toward, this content may cause susceptible individuals further problems and isolation by plunging them into the world of potentially harmful conspiracies.
The tone taken often feels strident and is likely to make the book an easy target for those who just wish to bash vegans, as we are already seeing in reviews. Further, the subtitle makes it seem as though to be vegan is to be miserable, which is not only untrue, but also won’t spare any animals by creating more vegans.
Other times, the book shifts gears and does offer decent advice about finding community, embracing things that bring you joy, and engaging in activism that is respectful and kind to others. If the entire book had taken this more positive tone, I wouldn’t have left a two-star review.
Other authors have handled the joys and challenges of living humanely in an inhumane world with more grace and helpfulness, and I would personally recommend writings by Melanie Joy, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, and Carol J. Adams instead of VYSTOPIA.
I thought of the intended audience for this book as people I have known over the years: The newly-minted vegan who is just learning about the incredible amount of abuse our culture heaps upon animals and is saddened and frustrated when their attempts at activism with their friends and family is rebuffed; or the person who already struggles with mental health issues who takes up a social cause with the same zeal that others in their situation sometimes take up religion.
Those in these situations need advice, both for their own sakes and for the animals whose suffering may be compounded by off-putting activism. (Obviously, those individuals who are ill will need medical care to get back on an even keel, as well.) However, while some of the advice in this book is good, other, I fear, is not and may even be further damaging.
I wondered at various points why the author bemoaned being called a conspiracy theorist; I have been accused of being many things over my years as an animal advocate, but “conspiracy theorist” hasn’t been one of them. Then she mentioned her belief in chemtrails and it all came into focus. I facepalmed. Hard. Vegans aren’t immune from the world of conspiracism, as other authors have noted. However, for the struggling audience this book is geared toward, this content may cause susceptible individuals further problems and isolation by plunging them into the world of potentially harmful conspiracies.
The tone taken often feels strident and is likely to make the book an easy target for those who just wish to bash vegans, as we are already seeing in reviews. Further, the subtitle makes it seem as though to be vegan is to be miserable, which is not only untrue, but also won’t spare any animals by creating more vegans.
Other times, the book shifts gears and does offer decent advice about finding community, embracing things that bring you joy, and engaging in activism that is respectful and kind to others. If the entire book had taken this more positive tone, I wouldn’t have left a two-star review.
Other authors have handled the joys and challenges of living humanely in an inhumane world with more grace and helpfulness, and I would personally recommend writings by Melanie Joy, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, and Carol J. Adams instead of VYSTOPIA.
August 5, 2018
I loved this book. This book really helped me to deal with the emotions I had when I became a vegan. It showed me how I could turn my anger into something positive. It really helped me to become calmer and to communicate veganism better to my family and friends.
December 2, 2022
As a long-term vegan who has experienced distress due to a world that doesn’t care about animals, I can relate to the term “vystopia”. Being around people who dismiss veganism and knowingly contribute to animal cruelty can be a conflicting and lonely feeling, so I am grateful to see Clare Mann acknowledge this mental impact. Unfortunately, though, I was left disappointed.
Firstly, I assumed Vystopia was written specifically for vegans, but it turns out it’s not. For instance, it discusses issues vegans are already very aware of (e.g. removal of calves from their mothers, how many animals are killed each year, impacts of factory farming and so on). In fact, it seemed to be aimed at people who haven’t considered animal equality once in their life? Like asking how you feel when a story of abuse ends up being about a cow, not a dog. But I am already vegan, so thought experiments like these are unhelpful. It’s not like this 100% of the time, but there was a strange balance where it felt like it was trying to address vegans and non-vegans at once. It even details the definition and scope of veganism over several pages halfway through the book, which was pointless for me as a reader. Maybe I came in with the wrong expectation, but the target audience is unclear.
Other issues include very repetitive writing and some rather extreme portrayals of vegans that I don’t necessarily think do us any favours (assuming this book is directed at non-vegans too). The author also asserts that becoming vegan means your eyes have been “opened” to additional “coverups”; for example, the author espouses things like homeopathy and chemtrails. I am also curious about her statement that she does not want vegans "to become labelled as mentally ill...for which the only solution is medication”. That just isn’t true, and anxiety/depression experienced by vegans are still mental illnesses anyway.
The advice offered is pretty standard, including good nutrition, exercise, having a positive mindset, meditation, developing a support network etc. It also discusses becoming an effective activist, which I agree can be a good way to funnel energy. The activism section actually had some good advice for those so inclined. It acknowledged a number of approaches (including smaller, everyday advocacy such as inviting people over for a vegan dinner). These latter chapters were probably the strongest part of the book.
To summarise, I think the mental health of vegans is an important and often neglected topic, so I appreciate Vystopia in that sense. A lot of what it discussed was definitely relatable. However, the way the information was presented didn’t work for me. It does discuss important issues and may be helpful to others, but personally, it was a waste of time.
Firstly, I assumed Vystopia was written specifically for vegans, but it turns out it’s not. For instance, it discusses issues vegans are already very aware of (e.g. removal of calves from their mothers, how many animals are killed each year, impacts of factory farming and so on). In fact, it seemed to be aimed at people who haven’t considered animal equality once in their life? Like asking how you feel when a story of abuse ends up being about a cow, not a dog. But I am already vegan, so thought experiments like these are unhelpful. It’s not like this 100% of the time, but there was a strange balance where it felt like it was trying to address vegans and non-vegans at once. It even details the definition and scope of veganism over several pages halfway through the book, which was pointless for me as a reader. Maybe I came in with the wrong expectation, but the target audience is unclear.
Other issues include very repetitive writing and some rather extreme portrayals of vegans that I don’t necessarily think do us any favours (assuming this book is directed at non-vegans too). The author also asserts that becoming vegan means your eyes have been “opened” to additional “coverups”; for example, the author espouses things like homeopathy and chemtrails. I am also curious about her statement that she does not want vegans "to become labelled as mentally ill...for which the only solution is medication”. That just isn’t true, and anxiety/depression experienced by vegans are still mental illnesses anyway.
The advice offered is pretty standard, including good nutrition, exercise, having a positive mindset, meditation, developing a support network etc. It also discusses becoming an effective activist, which I agree can be a good way to funnel energy. The activism section actually had some good advice for those so inclined. It acknowledged a number of approaches (including smaller, everyday advocacy such as inviting people over for a vegan dinner). These latter chapters were probably the strongest part of the book.
To summarise, I think the mental health of vegans is an important and often neglected topic, so I appreciate Vystopia in that sense. A lot of what it discussed was definitely relatable. However, the way the information was presented didn’t work for me. It does discuss important issues and may be helpful to others, but personally, it was a waste of time.
August 31, 2018
I believe the most valuable parts of this book (for someone who is already a dedicated vegan) are the stories about patient experiences. Reading about how others have gone through the exact same things as myself help me feel less like an outcast. I cannot comment on the parts meant to inform non-vegans, as nothing here was news to me. If only I had this book when I was younger!
June 23, 2018
This book is poorly written. There are many editing mistakes: like missing commas, plural words when it should be singular, run on sentences, etc.
The book is poorly organized, and reads like a draft. Clare Mann repeats herself, neglects to sum up her thoughts at the end of paragraphs or pages, and keeps explaining to the reader what the chapter is supposed to be about rather than just write the subject matter. And, she uses the words, “For example” on every other page. Examples are valuable and necessary for this subject matter, but a skilled author would be able to show them in another manner.
I understand writing a book so the general public can understand it, but when a professional cites (more than once) Wikipedia, the whole message is diminished.
I was, and still am, excited about the philosophy behind the idea of Vystopia. The dystopian feeling that a vegan experiences upon choosing to eat and act outside of the norm of society. I expected this book to go into detail about that psychological experience, but it did not. It briefly states this idea in Chapter 2, “Living as a Stranger in a Strange Land,” but there is never any in depth thought about it. Then, she goes on to use the rest of the book as a sales pitch on how to effectively make other people vegan.
There are far better books that explain how to be an effective communicator, and/or how to be a good vegan activist. If you are looking for those subjects then do not bother with this book.
This book would have been so much more effective if it stuck to what it says it is going to do, “...explores the world of the vegan, whose choices are seen by many as ridiculous or self-righteous.” At one point she states that the most important thing to do is to become self-aware; yet she never stops to discuss what this is or how to do it.
My hope is that Clare Mann realizes her mistake and produces a book that actually covers Vystopia (i.e. vegan depression), how it comes about, and what to do about it. That is a gaping hole in the vegan community and I had such high hopes that we finally had a voice for it, but that voice was not found in this book.
The book is poorly organized, and reads like a draft. Clare Mann repeats herself, neglects to sum up her thoughts at the end of paragraphs or pages, and keeps explaining to the reader what the chapter is supposed to be about rather than just write the subject matter. And, she uses the words, “For example” on every other page. Examples are valuable and necessary for this subject matter, but a skilled author would be able to show them in another manner.
I understand writing a book so the general public can understand it, but when a professional cites (more than once) Wikipedia, the whole message is diminished.
I was, and still am, excited about the philosophy behind the idea of Vystopia. The dystopian feeling that a vegan experiences upon choosing to eat and act outside of the norm of society. I expected this book to go into detail about that psychological experience, but it did not. It briefly states this idea in Chapter 2, “Living as a Stranger in a Strange Land,” but there is never any in depth thought about it. Then, she goes on to use the rest of the book as a sales pitch on how to effectively make other people vegan.
There are far better books that explain how to be an effective communicator, and/or how to be a good vegan activist. If you are looking for those subjects then do not bother with this book.
This book would have been so much more effective if it stuck to what it says it is going to do, “...explores the world of the vegan, whose choices are seen by many as ridiculous or self-righteous.” At one point she states that the most important thing to do is to become self-aware; yet she never stops to discuss what this is or how to do it.
My hope is that Clare Mann realizes her mistake and produces a book that actually covers Vystopia (i.e. vegan depression), how it comes about, and what to do about it. That is a gaping hole in the vegan community and I had such high hopes that we finally had a voice for it, but that voice was not found in this book.
January 4, 2019
This book, written by psychologist and psychiatrist Clare Mann, explains succinctly the states of mind an ethical vegan goes through in each step of the vegan journey, in a way where their feelings and emotions are understood and, therefore, validated. The book's message filled myself with a sense of positivity, which is to keep working the way we can to create the vegan world we envision, where all these horrendous and vicious industries that inflict pain and suffering on people, animals and the environment, exploiting them solely for profit, cease to exist.
November 30, 2021
Well intentioned and brief, this book is best suited to new vegans who feel overwhelmed by the amount of suffering and exploitation we inflict on other animals. Takes an odd detour through the author’s belief in conspiracy theories which is unfortunate but the idea of a “vystopia” is a sound one.
October 15, 2020
At best, a disjointed poorly-written pile of word-vomit. At worst, damaging to the vegan cause and to society in general.
Before I start, I want to make clear that I myself am vegan, so I'm not giving this book a low rating because of anti-vegan bias, but rather because it's a big steaming poop-pile.
Let's start with the less dangerous aspects of this book:
- The author apparently never learned how to structure a basic essay. Every page jumps from topic to topic like a hyperactive child in a trampoline room, never landing for long enough to actually make a lucid point. "Oh wow," I found myself thinking, "we were just talking about animal welfare, but in this sentence we're talking about the US education syste... wait... nope now we're talking about medical research WAIT hang on now we're on to class struggle. And what exactly was the connection between them....?" Basically this book is a stream-of-conscious jumble of everything thought that popped into Clare's mind. Ever.
- The book is rife with grammatical and spelling errors. I found myself constantly re-reading sentences to make sure I wasn't just reading it wrong. A basic spell-check should have produced a better book than this.
- The author repeats herself constantly. At one point I thought I'd accidentally pressed back on my Kindle because I found myself reading the exact same point for the third time.
- There is literally nothing new in this book. No deep insights, no new strategies, no new approaches. It's as original as a handbag from a street vendor in Vietnam.
Now for the more insidious aspects.
- The author uses scientific research to support her points about medical and environmental benefits of a Vegan diet. Then in literally the same paragraph states that science isn't everything and that we should trust Homeopathy (the pinnacle of anti-science). She cites no reason why.
- She supports chemtrail conspiracies. No idea how this was supposed to be related to Veganism, but this for me was the final straw.
So all in all, a huge pile of utter garbage that isn't worth the 3% battery usage of my Kindle.
Before I start, I want to make clear that I myself am vegan, so I'm not giving this book a low rating because of anti-vegan bias, but rather because it's a big steaming poop-pile.
Let's start with the less dangerous aspects of this book:
- The author apparently never learned how to structure a basic essay. Every page jumps from topic to topic like a hyperactive child in a trampoline room, never landing for long enough to actually make a lucid point. "Oh wow," I found myself thinking, "we were just talking about animal welfare, but in this sentence we're talking about the US education syste... wait... nope now we're talking about medical research WAIT hang on now we're on to class struggle. And what exactly was the connection between them....?" Basically this book is a stream-of-conscious jumble of everything thought that popped into Clare's mind. Ever.
- The book is rife with grammatical and spelling errors. I found myself constantly re-reading sentences to make sure I wasn't just reading it wrong. A basic spell-check should have produced a better book than this.
- The author repeats herself constantly. At one point I thought I'd accidentally pressed back on my Kindle because I found myself reading the exact same point for the third time.
- There is literally nothing new in this book. No deep insights, no new strategies, no new approaches. It's as original as a handbag from a street vendor in Vietnam.
Now for the more insidious aspects.
- The author uses scientific research to support her points about medical and environmental benefits of a Vegan diet. Then in literally the same paragraph states that science isn't everything and that we should trust Homeopathy (the pinnacle of anti-science). She cites no reason why.
- She supports chemtrail conspiracies. No idea how this was supposed to be related to Veganism, but this for me was the final straw.
So all in all, a huge pile of utter garbage that isn't worth the 3% battery usage of my Kindle.
July 20, 2020
I was so excited to read this book when a Vegan group in my city recommended it. But, it's quite the disappointment. Although I understand the concept of Vystopia and feel I experience this as a vegan, this book is just a poor example of the phenomenon. For that reason, I gave it two stars.
The example clients Dr Mann discusses are sometimes so absurd that I literally laughed out loud. There are very dramatic people she has as clients that make me feel like such a normal and well-adjusted person in comparison. One client claimed that watching their in-laws eat meat at a holiday dinner was a worse experience than their cancer treatment. As a fellow vegan and cancer survivor, this is the most ridiculous thing I have read in awhile and I don't understand why she included it in the book. There was not enough of a balance of the range of emotional, physical, and mental anguish that us vegans experience. And that does not bode well for people reading the book who are not of the community or are new to the community.
She makes claims about conspiracy theories and debunked scientific theories that I couldn't hold much respect for her by the end of the book. I question any of the figures or claims that she has especially when referencing the Daily Mail as a source. When she used facts and figures, I felt more of reading a blog post than a published book.
In the end, her suggestions for people who feel Vystopia is to exercise, focus on a healthier diet, meditate, focus on the positives- all things that we all know to do anyway. Her other suggestion was to channel the anxiety and depression into activism, which I do not disagree with. But it also feels like a poor solution because not every single vegan (or person for that matter) is mentally at a point to engage in activism or may just not be the type suited for it (there is nothing wrong with that!).
In the end, I feel that I wasted money supporting someone who believes in chemtrails and projects vegans as being weak.
The example clients Dr Mann discusses are sometimes so absurd that I literally laughed out loud. There are very dramatic people she has as clients that make me feel like such a normal and well-adjusted person in comparison. One client claimed that watching their in-laws eat meat at a holiday dinner was a worse experience than their cancer treatment. As a fellow vegan and cancer survivor, this is the most ridiculous thing I have read in awhile and I don't understand why she included it in the book. There was not enough of a balance of the range of emotional, physical, and mental anguish that us vegans experience. And that does not bode well for people reading the book who are not of the community or are new to the community.
She makes claims about conspiracy theories and debunked scientific theories that I couldn't hold much respect for her by the end of the book. I question any of the figures or claims that she has especially when referencing the Daily Mail as a source. When she used facts and figures, I felt more of reading a blog post than a published book.
In the end, her suggestions for people who feel Vystopia is to exercise, focus on a healthier diet, meditate, focus on the positives- all things that we all know to do anyway. Her other suggestion was to channel the anxiety and depression into activism, which I do not disagree with. But it also feels like a poor solution because not every single vegan (or person for that matter) is mentally at a point to engage in activism or may just not be the type suited for it (there is nothing wrong with that!).
In the end, I feel that I wasted money supporting someone who believes in chemtrails and projects vegans as being weak.
September 22, 2018
Fantastic book. When I read a book by a writer who not only identifies real-world problems that vegans face — but also offers solutions to them — it’s a huge win. This is that book. Since becoming vegan, I have faced many uncomfortable work meals with colleagues and bosses who do not understand and are hostile to vegans, either overtly, or covertly. This book gives vegans resources to educate and potentially convert some of our friends, family, and every day people we meet. I cannot praise this book enough. I hope to see it revised and reissued as the author develops more educational tools.
Read
September 25, 2018Enjoyed the book. Thought it gave a good account of the problems faced by vegans.
June 21, 2020
Summary:
The author puts words, science and understanding to the feelings of anxiety, depression, frustration and hopelessness I've felt since becoming vegan that I've never been able to properly articulate. The examples throughout the book and strategies to reduce the impacts of vystopia on yourself are useful and resonated with me. I still live with these feelings after discussing all the reasons why we should be vegan with close friends and family only for them to continue with carnism despite agreeing with what I say. The disconnect is jarring and shocks me every time. I often feel distressed seeing or hearing my family and friends eating animal products knowing it can be detrimental to their health and their spirit. Knowing they are actively participating in the abuse of animals. I can't say the strategies in the book will help solve this friction, but they help manage it for sure and the advice to be a lighthouse rather than a tug boat is something I've tried to be. I try not to preach, I pick my battles and seek to lead by example. However, after a while, it certainly does wear you thin.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is vegan, thinking of being vegan or has a significant relationship with a vegan.
The main message I took from this book is the concept of vystopia itself. Existential crisis experienced by vegans, arising out of an awareness of the trance-like collusion with a dystopian world. Awareness of the greed, ubiquitous animal exploitation, and speciesism in a modern dystopia.
Some notable points:
- We cannot make decisions based on many things we hear bout in the media, because we only receive information that is filtered down and understandable to the average person. If we had to research everything in our lives, we wouldn't get anything done. We have a blind trust that issues pertinent to our well-being are ethically and responsibly monitored by government or professionals.
- When eating animals is not a necessity, which is the case for many people in the world today, then it is a choice - and choices always stem from beliefs. This belief system about eating animals is called "carnism".
- Having your eyes opened to the systemised cruelty towards animals in our society is distressing in itself. However, this distress is often compounded when you start to tell your friends and family, whom you are sure would be equally upset. Instead, many people respond with ridicule, criticism, and anger, saying that everyone has a right to choose what to eat. These feelings of frustration and powerlessness then often turn to complicated grief as you are unable to reconcile competing beliefs that the people you love are capable of turning their eyes away from the suffering their consumer choice are financing.
- Approximately 56 billion animals per year are killed for a mere 7.5 billion humans. These animals are merely cogs in the machinery of business who consider them no more than units of production and profit.
- Apart from individuals who deliberately choose to abuse animals, most non-vegans unwittingly collude with cruelty, until the vegan advises them of it. Imagine the vegan talks to a person about these issues, and yet they don't become vegan. This leads the vegan to believe that the other person either agrees with the cruelty, disbelieves what is happening, or is indifferent to it. Either way, the vegan knows that the non-vegan now has the knowledge but chooses to continue with the collusion.
- Animals have no say whatsoever as to how their bodies, reproductive systems, or offspring are used for human entertainment and convenience. This is because humans decide that they are superior and that animals are their property. Think about it for a moment, isn't this just another human superiority similar to racism, sexism and ageism?
- Despite any claims of the merits of humane farming, there no such thing as humane when it comes to using animals against their will. It all involves taking the life of an innocent being for the of palate pleasure.
- Behind every animal product is a tale of suffering which industries work very hard at to keep from the public.
- The vegan doesn't see economic progress but animal, environmental, and human suffering on a grand scale.
- Veganism as a value is so powerful because the vegan has emotionally connected with the suffering of animals. Their actions from that day on not only affect themselves, but are instrumental in adding to or ending animal suffering.
- In 2006, the CSIRO published the second edition of its massively successful "Total Wellbeing Diet". The diet encourage high meat consumption, despite its own scientists pointing out that a meat-heavy diet was related to colorectal cancer. It appears that the research the CSIRO based its book on was funded by the Meat and Livestock Industry; a body set to benefit from increased meat consumption.
- In Australia, over 67% of water is used for agriculture whereas only 9% is used for household use.
- The United Nations Environment Programme stated that a substantial reduction of climate impacts from agriculture would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products.
- In a gentle way, you can shake the world.
The author puts words, science and understanding to the feelings of anxiety, depression, frustration and hopelessness I've felt since becoming vegan that I've never been able to properly articulate. The examples throughout the book and strategies to reduce the impacts of vystopia on yourself are useful and resonated with me. I still live with these feelings after discussing all the reasons why we should be vegan with close friends and family only for them to continue with carnism despite agreeing with what I say. The disconnect is jarring and shocks me every time. I often feel distressed seeing or hearing my family and friends eating animal products knowing it can be detrimental to their health and their spirit. Knowing they are actively participating in the abuse of animals. I can't say the strategies in the book will help solve this friction, but they help manage it for sure and the advice to be a lighthouse rather than a tug boat is something I've tried to be. I try not to preach, I pick my battles and seek to lead by example. However, after a while, it certainly does wear you thin.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is vegan, thinking of being vegan or has a significant relationship with a vegan.
The main message I took from this book is the concept of vystopia itself. Existential crisis experienced by vegans, arising out of an awareness of the trance-like collusion with a dystopian world. Awareness of the greed, ubiquitous animal exploitation, and speciesism in a modern dystopia.
Some notable points:
- We cannot make decisions based on many things we hear bout in the media, because we only receive information that is filtered down and understandable to the average person. If we had to research everything in our lives, we wouldn't get anything done. We have a blind trust that issues pertinent to our well-being are ethically and responsibly monitored by government or professionals.
- When eating animals is not a necessity, which is the case for many people in the world today, then it is a choice - and choices always stem from beliefs. This belief system about eating animals is called "carnism".
- Having your eyes opened to the systemised cruelty towards animals in our society is distressing in itself. However, this distress is often compounded when you start to tell your friends and family, whom you are sure would be equally upset. Instead, many people respond with ridicule, criticism, and anger, saying that everyone has a right to choose what to eat. These feelings of frustration and powerlessness then often turn to complicated grief as you are unable to reconcile competing beliefs that the people you love are capable of turning their eyes away from the suffering their consumer choice are financing.
- Approximately 56 billion animals per year are killed for a mere 7.5 billion humans. These animals are merely cogs in the machinery of business who consider them no more than units of production and profit.
- Apart from individuals who deliberately choose to abuse animals, most non-vegans unwittingly collude with cruelty, until the vegan advises them of it. Imagine the vegan talks to a person about these issues, and yet they don't become vegan. This leads the vegan to believe that the other person either agrees with the cruelty, disbelieves what is happening, or is indifferent to it. Either way, the vegan knows that the non-vegan now has the knowledge but chooses to continue with the collusion.
- Animals have no say whatsoever as to how their bodies, reproductive systems, or offspring are used for human entertainment and convenience. This is because humans decide that they are superior and that animals are their property. Think about it for a moment, isn't this just another human superiority similar to racism, sexism and ageism?
- Despite any claims of the merits of humane farming, there no such thing as humane when it comes to using animals against their will. It all involves taking the life of an innocent being for the of palate pleasure.
- Behind every animal product is a tale of suffering which industries work very hard at to keep from the public.
- The vegan doesn't see economic progress but animal, environmental, and human suffering on a grand scale.
- Veganism as a value is so powerful because the vegan has emotionally connected with the suffering of animals. Their actions from that day on not only affect themselves, but are instrumental in adding to or ending animal suffering.
- In 2006, the CSIRO published the second edition of its massively successful "Total Wellbeing Diet". The diet encourage high meat consumption, despite its own scientists pointing out that a meat-heavy diet was related to colorectal cancer. It appears that the research the CSIRO based its book on was funded by the Meat and Livestock Industry; a body set to benefit from increased meat consumption.
- In Australia, over 67% of water is used for agriculture whereas only 9% is used for household use.
- The United Nations Environment Programme stated that a substantial reduction of climate impacts from agriculture would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products.
- In a gentle way, you can shake the world.
October 26, 2019
Welk, okay. Interesting but not really my cup of tea.
July 12, 2025
Hard to rate. Seminal concept, but the author is a bit too into pseudoscience
I have been vegan since 2022 and am deeply involved in animal rights activism. I’m pretty radical about it too.
I’m tempted to give this book a good rating simply because of its influence—the concept of vystopia is salient and strongly felt by myself and many of my activist friends. It is fucking exhausting to exist with such passion to help the billions of animals needlessly suffering while maintaining close relationships with people who either don’t know, don’t understand or don’t care, even though they are good people otherwise.
It was validating to read this laid out so succinctly, and to know that I am not alone. I appreciated the case studies and advice, even if it was vague and platitudinous. The part I most appreciated was actually the likening of spreading veganism to a sales pitch, where you have to understand where others are coming from in order to be effective. It seems kind of psychopathic and is ultimately very frustrating and demoralizing to me to play such psychological games instead of people just being able to see cruelty and say it must be stopped, but this is the world we live in.
however Mann should stick to her field of expertise. I found myself rolling my eyes at the pseudoscientific bullshit that she threw into this book especially when it had very little relevance to the topic. She talks about believing chem trails, energy healing, aliens, etc. Good grief, this really doesn’t help the perception of vegans for all she talks about being palatable. She also says that “quantum physics” proves that our mind influences reality—totally wrong, and talks about “blood flowing to the frontal lobe” when decisions are made. I mean, blood flow does increase in brain regions but that is in response to neurons firing. Blood does not spontaneously flow and then activate neurons.
Just… this stuff takes a lot of stars off my rating. It gave the book a majorly amateurish ethos and we should never let alternative health type ignorant people drive this movement.
I also didn’t like the emphasis on health, environment and “spirituality” as reasons to convince people to go vegan. In my opinion, the only sustainable reason for veganism is an ethical commitment to animal liberation. Veganism healthy enough to be feasible, so there’s no reason to bend over backwards convincing people it’s MORE healthy (as that depends on someone’s lifestyle— for ex it’s clear that meat provides more protein per volume, but who gives a fuck when it’s murder?)
I have been vegan since 2022 and am deeply involved in animal rights activism. I’m pretty radical about it too.
I’m tempted to give this book a good rating simply because of its influence—the concept of vystopia is salient and strongly felt by myself and many of my activist friends. It is fucking exhausting to exist with such passion to help the billions of animals needlessly suffering while maintaining close relationships with people who either don’t know, don’t understand or don’t care, even though they are good people otherwise.
It was validating to read this laid out so succinctly, and to know that I am not alone. I appreciated the case studies and advice, even if it was vague and platitudinous. The part I most appreciated was actually the likening of spreading veganism to a sales pitch, where you have to understand where others are coming from in order to be effective. It seems kind of psychopathic and is ultimately very frustrating and demoralizing to me to play such psychological games instead of people just being able to see cruelty and say it must be stopped, but this is the world we live in.
however Mann should stick to her field of expertise. I found myself rolling my eyes at the pseudoscientific bullshit that she threw into this book especially when it had very little relevance to the topic. She talks about believing chem trails, energy healing, aliens, etc. Good grief, this really doesn’t help the perception of vegans for all she talks about being palatable. She also says that “quantum physics” proves that our mind influences reality—totally wrong, and talks about “blood flowing to the frontal lobe” when decisions are made. I mean, blood flow does increase in brain regions but that is in response to neurons firing. Blood does not spontaneously flow and then activate neurons.
Just… this stuff takes a lot of stars off my rating. It gave the book a majorly amateurish ethos and we should never let alternative health type ignorant people drive this movement.
I also didn’t like the emphasis on health, environment and “spirituality” as reasons to convince people to go vegan. In my opinion, the only sustainable reason for veganism is an ethical commitment to animal liberation. Veganism healthy enough to be feasible, so there’s no reason to bend over backwards convincing people it’s MORE healthy (as that depends on someone’s lifestyle— for ex it’s clear that meat provides more protein per volume, but who gives a fuck when it’s murder?)
February 20, 2020
I'm not sure if I found any real answers in this book, but it helped me feel valid in my veganism. I always go back to feeling like a broken human being for feeling this way, or having a vegan lifestyle and not be understood by non-vegans. It can be very tough and isolating. But you don't know what little impact you are doing just by being yourself and doing your thing. I have stripped that vegan label (more than I used to have that label, anyway) and so I live my life and just happen to be vegan too.
A lot of what Mann talks about re: feeling guilty or not enjoying life because the animals are suffering... I think I was in that state in the past, when it was still fresh and new for me. It really does feel like the world has been twisted and turned upside down, you're in a foreign land, a real dystopia, and when you try to get others to see the truth they don't get it, which makes you feel so hopeless. There have been times I have just wanted to die, that crushing feeling of despair is so very powerful. I am thankful I surrounded myself with likeminded souls and continue to meet new amazing people everyday - they are the light when I am in darkness. Honestly, my close friends and family and bf can still trigger me, and I think they are a lot better about it these days but sometimes it is still very hard. I do so wish my bf got it, and I wish this book covered the issues in relationships even more. (Sorry, this review is mostly just a rant)
--- This book could have been edited and refined. The typos and grammatical errors just made it feel unpolished and it can make others not take the content as seriously. Also, Mann uses strong language sometimes with the animal cruelty, etc, which I do agree with, but this was a text I was hoping to share with my bf and now I don't think I can because he would just spend more time picking apart the little things instead. A bit of a shame. But I'm grateful one of my friends (who is vegan) gifted this to me. :)
A lot of what Mann talks about re: feeling guilty or not enjoying life because the animals are suffering... I think I was in that state in the past, when it was still fresh and new for me. It really does feel like the world has been twisted and turned upside down, you're in a foreign land, a real dystopia, and when you try to get others to see the truth they don't get it, which makes you feel so hopeless. There have been times I have just wanted to die, that crushing feeling of despair is so very powerful. I am thankful I surrounded myself with likeminded souls and continue to meet new amazing people everyday - they are the light when I am in darkness. Honestly, my close friends and family and bf can still trigger me, and I think they are a lot better about it these days but sometimes it is still very hard. I do so wish my bf got it, and I wish this book covered the issues in relationships even more. (Sorry, this review is mostly just a rant)
--- This book could have been edited and refined. The typos and grammatical errors just made it feel unpolished and it can make others not take the content as seriously. Also, Mann uses strong language sometimes with the animal cruelty, etc, which I do agree with, but this was a text I was hoping to share with my bf and now I don't think I can because he would just spend more time picking apart the little things instead. A bit of a shame. But I'm grateful one of my friends (who is vegan) gifted this to me. :)
April 9, 2024
I appreciate the term and it’s cool, but not so much the book even though it’s intent is good.
This book is very simple and basic, not much is said and it’s mostly nothing interesting, especially not to people who are already vegan. There’s nothing wrong in that, but there’s also some not credible information in it. It reads like a blogpost with a lot of information I would see flying online, the author doesn’t try to add much to the vegan movement. I guess I can still see this as a helpful source for someone starting and for someone who is not managing their mental health that well. But at the same time the author seems to hint that she likes conspiracies and quotes a UFO book author. If this book is this basic please don’t do this, it makes it way harder to recommend to other people as a starting resource which this could be.
I was especially excited about the fact that this is from a psychology perspective, but it doesn’t really seem to get into anything clinical which I expected going in. I really want a psychology book with in depth psychology elements, it just sounds like something I would really like.
It’s not that good and it’s not that bad. I am struggling to write that much about it as it is quite short. I suppose you can use the book to validate the concept that it can be a struggle to live in the world as a vegan. I like that she hypes the reader up in the end. I am excited to read more vegan books as always and perhaps will use that list of movies at the end because I need to review some vegan movies as well.
This book is very simple and basic, not much is said and it’s mostly nothing interesting, especially not to people who are already vegan. There’s nothing wrong in that, but there’s also some not credible information in it. It reads like a blogpost with a lot of information I would see flying online, the author doesn’t try to add much to the vegan movement. I guess I can still see this as a helpful source for someone starting and for someone who is not managing their mental health that well. But at the same time the author seems to hint that she likes conspiracies and quotes a UFO book author. If this book is this basic please don’t do this, it makes it way harder to recommend to other people as a starting resource which this could be.
I was especially excited about the fact that this is from a psychology perspective, but it doesn’t really seem to get into anything clinical which I expected going in. I really want a psychology book with in depth psychology elements, it just sounds like something I would really like.
It’s not that good and it’s not that bad. I am struggling to write that much about it as it is quite short. I suppose you can use the book to validate the concept that it can be a struggle to live in the world as a vegan. I like that she hypes the reader up in the end. I am excited to read more vegan books as always and perhaps will use that list of movies at the end because I need to review some vegan movies as well.
June 7, 2021
This is an excellent tool for those vegans who are traumatized by discovering what happens in slaughterhouses as they have not experienced betrayal from the world in their lives yet. This would be a very traumatic experience. I applaud the author for writing this and all her vegan activist work which ultimately says what I agree with most about veganism: attractivism sells veganism way more than activism, so we should all just chill out as vegans.
I personally found this book to be on the melodramatic side and yes, I am vegan, going on 4 years now. However, I also was not particularly shaken by going vegan. For example, discovering how we traumatize, use, abuse and slaughter innocent animals was not that big of a surprise to me because as a survivor of childhood abuse and neglect, I learned very early that using and abusing the innocent is the sad tendency of many humans.
I personally found this book to be on the melodramatic side and yes, I am vegan, going on 4 years now. However, I also was not particularly shaken by going vegan. For example, discovering how we traumatize, use, abuse and slaughter innocent animals was not that big of a surprise to me because as a survivor of childhood abuse and neglect, I learned very early that using and abusing the innocent is the sad tendency of many humans.
October 29, 2024
The title, Vystopia: The Anguish of Being Vegan in a Non-vegan World, tells you pretty much what this about. Vystopia is a word Clare Mann came up with to describe a feeling that at least some vegans get from knowing what is going on in the animal industry, while the world around them really doesn’t want to hear about it. The idea for this is clearly centered on vegan animal rights activists, and not those that are plant based for their health. In some sense I question the need for a specific word for this from a vegan perspective. I mean, eco grief, and compassion fatigue both seem to describe parts of this well. But okay, Mann makes good case for her definition, and it’s not a bad book. Slightly repetitive despite being short, but for most parts interesting.
January 13, 2021
I remember my first time reading through this book for dear life in my sophomore dorm room, feeling depressed, alone, and angry at a world I had come to learn was far less empathetic than I thought. I think vystopia is something not talked about nearly enough in the vegan community, probably because we don't want any negative connotations with going vegan, but it's really important to talk about, and I think this could be beneficial for non-vegans who have loved ones who are vegan. Docked off one star because I can't quite follow Clare Mann into her more spiritual stuff, but overall a very important and worthwhile read.
February 3, 2023
Ooof. I think it’s fair to characterize this book as shallow and uncritical. The core message was that vegans feel really sad and helpless in the face of large scale animal cruelty and should, like, meditate to feel better. What a missed opportunity to explore the transformative power of collective action and community building, to channel despair into liberatory struggle, to community care as a healing practice. Extra minus points for completely missing any discussion of capitalism and colonialism as the arbiters of dystopia and the drivers of animal exploitation as we know it. I don’t know why I thought this book would have something to offer. Total fail.
December 10, 2021
Crazy that you can write a review on a book you haven't actually read....
Explains the 3 star rating from offended animal eaters who clearly don't understand what it feels like to be awake.
Six month old baby pig who have the intelligence of a three year old kid are shoved into CO2 gas Chambers every day by the millions, so adults can taste their flesh.
And here we have offended animal eaters leaving low star copy and pasted comments on an author's book.
What a great species we are that we would be so petty.
Explains the 3 star rating from offended animal eaters who clearly don't understand what it feels like to be awake.
Six month old baby pig who have the intelligence of a three year old kid are shoved into CO2 gas Chambers every day by the millions, so adults can taste their flesh.
And here we have offended animal eaters leaving low star copy and pasted comments on an author's book.
What a great species we are that we would be so petty.
January 4, 2024
Vystopia is an interesting concept but awkwardly named - it's not the person that is vystopian, it's their society. I think Melanie Joy's concept of Carnism is more useful and better articulated.
Early in the book Mann gives an extremely oversimplified historical narrative and claims that formal education started as early as the 1800s... these did not bode well for the level of rigour to be found in the rest of the book.
Mann attributes much to conspiracy when human myopia and stupidity are more parsimonious explanations.
Early in the book Mann gives an extremely oversimplified historical narrative and claims that formal education started as early as the 1800s... these did not bode well for the level of rigour to be found in the rest of the book.
Mann attributes much to conspiracy when human myopia and stupidity are more parsimonious explanations.
January 2, 2021
2 stars. I had high hopes for this book, but was left disappointed. Whilst I applaud Clare Mann for her intention and for enabling vegans to feel truly seen (I can certainly empathise with many of the emotions she describes), practical advice on how to deal with the anguish is left wanting. Furthermore, as the book goes on she drifts into somewhat dangerous territory i.e. conspiracy theories and pseudoscience. I (think I) understand what she was trying to do but if this book is picked up by someone at their most vulnerable - someone perhaps newly vegan, in "shock", and questioning anything and everything - this could well be damaging (and for the movement too). As a vegan doctor, I was disappointed to see "What The Health" recommended; there are so many logical and evidence-based reasons for us to choose a vegan lifestyle, we surely don't need to over-exaggerate and cherry pick health claims. This is, ultimately, counterproductive.
October 27, 2021
There's certainly nothing new here if you are already vegan but I did enjoy the case studies as I got to see into the lives of other vegans and their feelings of 'Vystopia'.
The last chapter (conclusion) did lose me a little bit as it was focused on health, I'm vegan for the animals and not for my own health.
The last chapter (conclusion) did lose me a little bit as it was focused on health, I'm vegan for the animals and not for my own health.
December 25, 2023
A must-read for fellow vegans. Perfectly described the feelings and experiences of being vegan in a non-vegan world and gave practical solutions on how to deal with this. Very uplifting and gives me, not just hope that I can live more happily in a non-vegan world, but also practical steps I can take to feel happier and be a part of the world we want to see 💚
June 25, 2023
In summary, vegans are accutely aware of the inherent suffering of animals at the hands of people, and choose to be vegan as a moral baseline. Veganism is empathy, love, and a rejection of carnism and wilful ignorance.
October 20, 2023
Strong start, weak finish. a lot of potential there in the premise, but mired by the authors attempts to sacrifice depth for breadth. one of those rare cases where a book would benefit from actually being way longer than it is
April 19, 2019
2.5 stars.
I think new vegans will find this book beneficial, but if you went vegan 3 decades ago, like me, you might want to pass.
Ps referencing Wikipedia is never a good look. 😱
I think new vegans will find this book beneficial, but if you went vegan 3 decades ago, like me, you might want to pass.
Ps referencing Wikipedia is never a good look. 😱
Read
November 6, 2019The Wikipedia article on vystopia is being debated at present.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vystopia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vystopia
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews