Those successful in making the world a better place know almost
everyone cares most about those closest to them. Even those who look beyond
species spend a majority of resources on cats and dogs, endangered species, or
campaigns focused on high-profile animals.
However, if we want to have the biggest impact in the world,
we need to focus on the bottom line: reducing as much suffering as possible. Two
guiding principles maximize the amount of good we accomplish:
1. Rather than focusing on what personally moves us, strive
solely to alleviate as much suffering as possible.
2. Recognize that when we choose to do one thing, we are
choosing not to do another. Instead of choosing to “do something, do anything,”
we must pursue what will likely lead to the greatest reduction in suffering.
Promoting ethical eating follows directly from these guiding
principles. No particular philosophy or lifestyle has any value in and of
itself. Rather, promoting cruelty-free eating allows us to alleviate as much
suffering as possible for three reasons:
2. These animals endure horrible cruelties. Indeed, every
year, hundreds of millions of animals – many times more than the number killed
for fur, in shelters, and in laboratories combined – don’t even make it to
slaughter. They actually suffer to death.
3. Everyone eats, making decisions daily that affect farmed
animals. Informing and inspiring new people to open their hearts and minds to
making compassionate choices leads to many fewer animals suffering.
Everyone we
meet is a potential victory! We don’t need to form a group or change a law; we
can each make a huge difference every day!
To be optimally effective, we must seek to open hearts and
minds, not show how much we know. Honest advocacy focused entirely on the
animals is far more effective than a laundry list of pro-veg claims. Similarly,
we must focus on getting people to consider their first step toward compassion,
rather than arguing for our current philosophy / diet. Most non-vegetarians
tune out when told to go vegan, but may consider starting to make changes like
Meatless Mondays and/or eating fewer chickens.
If we are to alleviate as much suffering as possible, we
need to maximize our impact. Thoughtful individual advocacy allows us to have
an immediate and profound influence every single day!
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