Quotes:
Man must get his thoughts, words and actions out of this vast moral
jungle. We are not predators. We are, hopefully, more than instinctive
killers and selfish brutes. Why take such a dim view of our potentialities
and capabilities? - Out of the Jungle, 1967
Man cannot pretend to he higher in ethics, spirituality, advancement,
or civilization than other creatures, and at the same time live
by lower standards than the vulture or hyena.
The Pillars of Ahimsa indisputably represent the clearest, surest
path out of the jungle, and toward the attainment of that highly
desirable goal. - Out of the Jungle, 1967
To anyone who believes that life itself has some purpose - or is
even its own reason for being - one should not wantonly destroy
even plants. The destruction of any life is thus an act not to be
taken lightly, or presumed to be isolated in the scheme of things.
It is to be preceded by careful consideration of the responsibilities
and the possible alternatives involved, and accompanied by an understanding
that one is indeed doing the right thing according to his present
state of existence . . . The ethical vegetarian is seriously interested
in lessening the suffering that he may be causing in the world -
even inadvertently inflicted upon relatively low forms of life.
- Ahimsa, August 1971
The American Vegan Society, founded by Indian-born Jay Dinshah,
follows similar views [as Natural Hygenists] but enhamces them with
Jainist attitudes of ahimsa and the elimination of all animal
products and clothing apparel. Freya, Dinshah's wife, helps to run
the active organization that includes a retreat called Suncrest
and a magazine, Ahimsa. - Janet Barkas in 'The Vegetable
Passion', 1975
Mankind cannot, I submit, save itself from destruction through
mere cleverness of scientific technology selfishly applied, nor
through wishful thinking. But through a deep sense of brotherhood
of all life, and a willingness and eagerness on the part of each
and every person to work constructively for the preservation and
enhancement of life, mankind may yet be preserved and go forward
into the next millennium with confidence, competence and compassion.
- The Vegetarian Way, XXIV World Vegetarian Congress, 1977
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