Why are you a vegetarian?

Helmut F. Kaplan

Why would anyone be a vegetarian? Wrong question. Here’s a much better question: Why are you NOT a vegetarian? Why are you still eating meat? That is the mystery, the unexplained phenomenon.

Humankind has come a long way. There was a time when people were exposed to the elements quite helplessly, and thanked their lucky stars if they found a cave that would shelter them from the heat, the cold or the rain. These days, we have functional clothing and properly insulated houses.

There was a time when people faced hardship and grave dangers when they travelled from one place to another. These days, we have comfortable, safe and fast means of transport.

There was a time when people died young, falling victim to injuries and diseases that were looked after inexpertly, if at all. These days, we have modern hospitals where most of these injuries and diseases can be treated, and often cured.

There was a time when people settled their differences through brute force, simply by killing each other. These days we have a sophisticated legal system which strives to deliver fair, impartial solutions.

There was a time when people needed all their energy and strength merely to survive. These days, we engage in scientific pursuits and value cultural activities and creations, which have given our lives a whole new dimension.

There was a time when we fed off the steaming carcasses of savagely butchered animals. And we still do. Our nutrition is the one area where we have not made any progress whatsoever for thousands of years. Every time we sit down for a meal, we change back into cavemen. This is the mystery, the unexplained phenomenon: Why are we still eating meat?

On the occasion of World Animal Day, the book ‘Der Verrat des Menschen an den Tieren’ (Animals: a history of human betrayal; only in German) will be published by Vegi-Verlag.

Source: Helmut F. Kaplan
Author: Helmut F. Kaplan

Link: Alicia Silverstone: she's healthy (and slim) -- something the animal rights activist credits to her vegan lifestyle


Other EVANA-articles about this topic:
Porque é vegetariano? (pt)

Pourquoi êtes-vous végétarien ? (fr)

Warum sind Sie Vegetarier? (de)

Japan: 'Shitai no bansan - Dr. Helmut Kaplan´s book 'Leichenschmaus' published (en)