The Ancient Roots of Veganism
porphyry's influence on plant-based ethical eating
Porphyry of Tyre (c. 234–305 CE) was a highly influential Neoplatonic philosopher, best known for his intellectual contributions founded on the ideas of Plotinus – his teacher, and earlier philosophical traditions. One of his most significant works, ‘On Abstinence from Animal Food’, forms part of his collected writings and offers an in-depth examination of the ethical reasons for abstaining from the consumption of animal flesh. His arguments touch not only on issues of diet, but also on deeper deliberations regarding the nature of life, consciousness, and the moral obligations humans have toward non-human animals.
For millennia, “On Abstinence from Animal Food” has influenced discussions surrounding ethics coupled to health pertaining to the right diet for humans. Here is how Porphyry influenced diets, both in ancient times and in the modern world:
1. Ethical Vegetarianism and Veganism
core idea
Porphyry was one of the first philosophers to argue for abstaining from animal food based on ethics. He believed that eating animals was morally wrong because it caused unnecessary suffering to sentient beings.
Influence on Modern Veganism
Porphyry’s arguments about non-violence and compassion toward animals right-to-life and liberty, have directly influenced the modern vegan movement. His philosophy helped lay the foundation for today’s ethical debates on the rights of animals, influencing the rise of vegan and ‘living food’ diets as part of a broader movement toward compassionate living.
2. Moral Arguments for Abstinence from Meat
Porphyry’s Position
Porphyry held strong on the belief that akin to humans, animals have the capacity for both sensation and emotion, and therefore should not be killed for food. His argument was not only for animal welfare, but also to bring to light the negative moral impacts incurred by humans who continued to murder or demand the slaughter of innocent sentient beings in order to eat their dead flesh.
Long-Lasting Influence
Many subsequent philosophical and religious traditions have echoed these arguments. Porphyry’s work influenced later thinkers, particularly during the Renaissance, and later in the development of modern ethical vegetarianism.
3. Non-violence
Philosophy of Non-violence
Porphyry’s advocacy for a plant-based diet was closely tied to the concept of non-violence which is similar to the idea of Ahimsa in Eastern philosophies. He believed that refraining from consuming animal products was part of a commitment to living in harmony with nature and avoiding harm to other beings.
His views resonate with contemporary vegans who adopt plant-based diets out of a commitment to non-violence and ethical responsibility toward all living creatures.
4. Spiritual and Health Dimensions of Diet
Influence on Dietary Choices
Porphyry argued that abstaining from meat was necessary for maintaining spiritual purity believing that eating animals polluted the soul and impeded a person’s ability to attain philosophical wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.
Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diets
Although primarily concerned with ethical reasons, Porphyry also saw health advantages in eating a plant-based diet. He believed that a fruit-based or plant-based diet was more natural for humans and contributed to physical well-being – a perspective echoed in modern discussions on the health benefits of vegan and vegetarian diets.
5. Influence on Early Christian & Religious Diets
Vegetarian Traditions
Porphyry’s ideas influenced early Christian ascetics and later religious movements that adopted vegetarian practices such as ‘The Seventh Day Adventist’. His focus on moral purity, compassion for animals, and dietary restrictions can also be seen in certain monastic traditions, where fasting and abstinence from meat were viewed as pathways to spiritual growth.
Eastern Philosophy and Diet
Though rooted in Greco-Roman philosophy, Porphyry’s emphasis on non-violence and ethical abstention from animal food finds parallels in Buddhist and Jainist dietary practices, which emphasize non-harm and ethical consumption.
6. Philosophical Influence on Later Thinkers
Impact on Renaissance and Enlightenment Thinkers
During the Renaissance, Porphyry’s work was rediscovered, influencing philosophers and scholars who were re-examining classical texts. His ethical views on diet resonated with those advocating for natural living and humane treatment of animals.
Modern Philosophical Influence
Porphyry’s arguments have been cited by modern vegan and animal right-to-life and liberty activists, such as Peter Singer and Tom Regan, along with modern day changemaker revolutionaries such as Gary Yourofsky, Earthling Ed (Ed Winters), Joey Carbstrong, Freelee the Banana Girl, FullyRawKristina and Eli Martyr, along with a host of others, who argue for animal rights based on moral duty.
Today, Porphyry’s ideas regarding diet as a moral choice continue to influence contemporary ethical discussions that nowadays take place mostly on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Communitarian ‘everyday acts of revolution’ are also influenced by Porphyry’s philosophical arguments, that as sentient beings, all creatures great and small have the same right to life and liberty, as we do. Everywhere from travelling Living Nutrition culinary workshops to backyard Kitchen Gardens and local based regionally-networked ‘common’ wealth organic farms, communitarians across the globe are uniting to spread the message of evolved social, economic and ecological principles and practices that have the potential to bring about better conditions for people, animals and planet.
7. Animal Rights & Moral Duty
Porphyry’s Argument for Animal Rights
Porphyry laid the groundwork for thinking about animals right-to-life and liberty in a philosophical context, arguing that animals should not be treated as mere tools or commodities for human use. This has been a key argument in modern movements advocating for the adoption of cruelty-free diets and ‘animal liberation’.
8. Environmental Ethics and Sustainability
Influence on Sustainable Diets
While Porphyry did not directly address environmental issues, his arguments for living in harmony with nature and abstaining from practices that cause harm to animals anticipate modern discussions about the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
Modern advocates of ecologically sustainable diets, draw on ethical frameworks similar to Porphyry’s, arguing that consuming less animal food can reduce environmental degradation, preserve natural resources, and contribute to a more sustainable world.
9. Philosophical Connection to Pythagoreanism
Pythagorean Influence
Porphyry’s arguments for abstaining from animal food were heavily influenced by Pythagoreanism, which promoted a ‘fruit-based diet’ for both ethical and spiritual reasons. The Pythagoreans viewed animals as beings with ‘souls’, and thus consuming them interfered with spiritual harmony.
Influence on Future Diet Philosophies
Through Porphyry’s writings, the Pythagorean tradition had a significant influence on later vegetarian movements, particularly during the 19th century when interest in vegetarianism surged due to ethical and health concerns.
10. Legacy in the Rise of Ethical Plant-Based Movements
Porphyry’s Lasting Impact
Porphyry’s advocacy for ethical eating continues to be referenced in modern discussions about the **moral implications** of diet. His philosophy has contributed to the intellectual foundation of veganism and other movements that promote ethical consumption.
Influence on Modern Dietary Trends
As more people adopt plant-based diets for reasons related to animal rights, health, and environmental concerns, Porphyry’s arguments are increasingly relevant. His work is often cited by advocates seeking to draw connections between ancient wisdom and modern ethical movements.
Continuing Porphyry’s Legacy
Porphyry’s influence on diets is profound, particularly in his philosophical defence of cruelty-free fruit-based diets as an ethical, spiritual, and health-driven choice. His work has shaped the ethical frameworks of vegetarianism, and in modern times, veganism, as well as animal rights, leaving a lasting legacy on communitarian dietary choices. Today, his ideas resonate with those who embrace compassionate eating founded on the principle and practice of non-violence, making him a key historical figure in the movement toward ethical diets.
