*Vegans In Ancient Times | The History of Veganism Part One* How far back does the vegan lifestyle reach? Is veganism a modern-day invention? Were there vegans in ancient times? In this first edition of The History of Veganism series, we look back- way back- to ancient times, staring 9,000 years ago to trace the roots of veganism to their very source. For complete citations and further reading, see the blog post for this video: www.BiteSizeVegan.com/AncientVeganism The time it took to produce this video was 73 hours. If you’d like to help support Bite Size Vegan so I can continue to burn the midnight (animal-free) oil, check out the support links in the video description Tweetables: What is the History of Veganism?: ctt.ec/M3249 Were there vegans in ancient times ctt.ec/1fSEB The Egyptian Emperor Who Banned Animal Sacrifice: ctt.ec/Rn5Mq Non-injury to all living beings is the only religion: ctt.ec/fNc2e Vegans: answering the “canine” question for over 2,000 years: ctt.ec/cifJb Before Facebook: bit.ly/1GGVUEx Featured Videos/Further Resources: What’s Wrong With Wool?: bit.ly/1yr0ZZ7 Vegan vs. Vegetarian: bit.ly/1xrrCg6 The Morality of Meat: bit.ly/1EpFqQs Are We Carnivores?: bit.ly/1y2UVWk What’s the Problem With Honey?: bit.ly/SayNoToHoney #history #veganism #vegan #ancient #rome #hinduism #jainism #bitesizevegan
***** thanks so, so much! took A LOT of time (and I didn't realize how long it was going to be until it was too late to split it)....hopefully it still reaches people despite the "epoch" nature.
***** Your channel is undoubtedly the best vegan channel on youtube! The effort you put into your videos is just remarkable. I am astounded. You literally take veganism to a different level. Please keep up the great service you are doing to the oppressed souls of this earth.I am definitely going to contribute to your channel on patreon. I am not earning at present but by the end of this year I promise that I'll make a hefty donation. I will be doing a service to myself by doing so!You rock!!
Wow... This is a great. I have read about Hinduism, Jainism, Ahimsa, and a few others you pointed out. However it would have taken me way more time to research all of the cultures/religions you touched on in this video. You rock! Thanks again!
Your attention to detail is unmatched. You outdid yourself with this one. Honestly, it is one of the best videos on animal rights I have ever seen. Love you.
It's actually pretty sad that people have been advocating for a compassionate, vegan diet for over 9,000 years and yet most people still don't get it. You would think that back when it was mostly about being a spiritual life style more people would have caught on. Now that is is considered a "fad" to most non-vegans I'm afraid it will be much harder to get people to change over from the "dark side" to this compassionate, healthy and environmentally friendly life style.
True, it is ridiculous that it's taken this long. However I don't think it is harder today to get people to go vegan. I think it is easier, because in the modern age people have more options for food and have greater access to different ideas around the world. I'm sure that vegans comprise a much larger proportion of the world population today than they ever did in the past (we're a small group relative to the whole, but veganism grows more popular with time). And I know that people don't like hearing religion criticized and I don't mean to offend anyone here, but it looks like the growth of agnosticism/atheism and spirituality that isn't based in organized religion is also contributing to the rise of veganism. Organized religion may have actually been holding animal rights back, despite what we'd expect. I say this because the concept of human superiority and animal sacrifice - and even support for meat- eating - is built into many religions (Ecc 3 is really the only exception in the Bible. The other books of the Bible, written by different authors, clearly endorse the concept of human superiority - and even Ecc doesn't actually condemn eating meat or using animals). But when people lack a supernatural worldview to arbitrarily assert the right of humans to abuse and kill, you see a greater proportion of people accepting the logical ethical conclusion that veganism is morally right. Poll after poll shows that vegans are more likely to be agnostic/atheist or ''spiritual' but not a member of organized faith than the general population - a lot more. Sorry for the long comment, but anyway, that's why I think there's good news for veganism and we can be optimistic about people adopting a compassionate lifestyle.
I think the lack of ability to supplement on b12 maybe the reason for this lack of vegan diets traditionally whereas vegetarian diets were possible. However, today b12 is easily available making veganism more feasible.
garreth d'souza Amythyst Rose, I expect the B12 issue wasn't an issue before modern cleanliness and pesticides; the B12 producing bacteria, found in healthy soil, would have likely 'contaminated' vegetables, and so, would have passed into the body when consumed on 'dirty' veg. See... I paid attention to your B12 video, *****;D
Ilea Learn Eco I haven't come across any scientific paper saying its possible to get it just by not washing organic produce. If anything that's the myth. until a scientific paper shows that, its promoting dangerous rhetoric or anecdotal claims that might not actually work for everyone. my contention is that perhaps that's why almost no societies evolved to have vegan diets, but many vegetarian diets were feasible even in ancient times.. jacknorrisrd.com/response-to-vegan-vitamin-b12-deficiency-is-a-myth/
I went vegan two weeks ago. I've never had better grades in school. My attention-span has become sharper and the clarity I have now is amazing. I also tore my patella tendon about a month ago playing rugby and after surgery my doctor said it is going to take me 6months to recover. I'm actually already walking. I called the doctor several days ago to let him know that I can walk. When the doctor saw me walk on my leg he called me crazy. That my patella should have snapped from applying pressure throughly from heel to toe and that I should at least feel strain or pain, I felt no pain. I was also able to bend my knee passed 90degrees and anybody that has torn an ACL, MCL or PCL knows that it takes months upon months to get you knee to bend passed 90degrees. Keep in mind I tore my patella which is the worst type of tendon tear in the knee region. Now doctor said at this rate I will most likely get the release to workout my leg I had surgery on in a from now month.
Wow, that's great that you're doing better in school, and congragulations on your quick recovery! I think it's great that you're vegan! How is your vegan life now? From another fellow vegan!
Great video! I'm 4 months vegan and digging into all areas of history, spiritualism, etc. just subscribed to your channel. Yay! I now know where tofu originated 👍🏽
You briefly covered this but I want to add that between the life of Pythagoras and the coining of the term vegetarian, abstaining from consuming animals was often called "The Pythagorean Diet." Also with ancient vegetarians, majority were vegan because they mainly ate whole foods. And I love that Pythagorean quote! I came across it a few months ago, and started researching his teachings, not even knowing about his devotion to vegetarianism. This was kind of assumed but also adding humans adapted to drinking non-human milk only 7,500 years ago! Not to mention that the majority of the world is lactose intolerant (60% having lactose or dairy allergies globally, and 90% having milk allergies in Asia). My hypothesis is that there was a shortage of food or water in some areas, and we had to adapt, like you mentioned with the crops being destroyed and resorting to meat. Really good video :) I may have to send it to my history professor who is vegetarian.
thank you all for being so patient with me with this one- technical issues will be the death of me. but, it's up! just an hour later than usual. appreciate you all understanding!
YOU Emily are making HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is an AMAZING video and series. You are by far the BEST youtuber in history - friken amazing! How on earth you put all this info together, we have no idea ... it's like you made a documentary, or wrote a PHD on the topic! If you had lived in antiquity, someone would be writing about you today. Can't wait to watch the other parts of this series. We laughed so much at the Chinese creating tofu part :D So interesting to hear about this history and wow at the guy who really summed up ethical veganism (no wool, honey etc). Years ago we lived in India in an ashram and that's when we first ate vegetarian. We learned about vegetarian philosophy through Hinduism ... but we were so confused as to why the swami (head poncho) was depicted sitting on a tiger skin! We asked the question but were told not to question too much/ not to read into things too much... as dense as we were back then, we knew it was hypocritical .... the vegan seeds were sprouting ;) THANK YOU for the work you do. Much love, strength and courage to you xoxo
Move Me_Yoga Food Life Thank you so much! I actually did the whole video from start to finish researching, Writing, filming, editing within a four-day window. it was rather ridiculous. Most of my videos I compose from zero to finish within two days but this one required for. Which is still rather breakneck speed. The secret? Don't have a life. :-) seriously though I'm happy to do it if it helps people and makes a difference from animals. I'm so glad that you liked the tofu part. That was my favorite. And I know! That was a total ethical vegan argument over 2000 years ago! Thank you so much for your support and for watching and taking the time to comment.
***** at the end of the video we look at each other wondering how this video was possible and concluded "she doesn't have a life" ... the dedication!!! Well, it certainly is making a difference so your efforts are not in vain. You're a real inspiration to us and we're so glad we can support you on Patreon. Have a great day and sending much love xo
I know its a long time but let me try to answer your question on tiger skin. The tiger skin was apractice that existed in ancient times when saints would meditate in forests. They could not kill any animals but if there is a dead animal they could use the skin for making a mat on which they could sit. One theory was that the other animals would not come near the tiger skin and disturb them.
Translated this video (Croatian). Wow, I admire you so much. It took me 5 hours to translate, I can only imagine how tough it was for you, to create this amazing huge nugget.
click on the settings, at the bottom right corner there is a flower like wheel, click on it and then click subtitles and scroll down till you see croatian. :D
I was originally raised a lacto vegetarian in a Hindu family. The concept of veganism is paradoxically still uncommon in India (predominately Hindu , 35% of which are lacto vegetarians) because even though the cow is held as sacred in India, Indians still consume milk thinking of it as an elixir. It's ironic now since obtaining milk from cows is akin to stealing.
Seeing how wise some of these Indians were 1000's of years ago always makes me proud to be one and inspires me haha to want to learn more and be a better person. Though there are far more unconscious ones haha..
That is the difference between "Shakahar" (=veganism) and "Niramishahar" (=vegetarianism). But nowadays people use the word shakahar for vegetarianism, which is not correct. Because milk and dairy is not shak(a).
@Everyone in this thread: Yes, historically India and Indians never shied away from practicing cattle raring and consumption of cow milk. But, let me elaborate a bit here. The practice was to not rare cows but accept them as family members. In the Vedas, it says, every human has seven mothers: 1) Your own mother who gave birth to you, 2) the wife of your teacher who imparts knowledge to you, 3) the wife of the local priest who takes care of people's spiritual health, 4) the wife of the king who cares for her subjects, 5) the nurse who took care of you, 6) mother earth who nourishes and protects you in her embrace, 7) mother cow who feeds you generously her milk. If you think this is exaggeration, let me tell you one thing. Even in modern Indian rural regions, the practice is to have one cow per every person consuming milk. The person who consumes the cow's milk would get up in the morning feed his/her milk mother with grass, give her a good bath, allow her real children i.e., calves to be fed their mother's milk and when the children are fed satisfactorily, then collect the remaining milk from her udders and help her rest for the day and later take her for grazing. The cows are given funerals as pompous as humans. And if you think this is all gestures from humans without reciprocation from the animal, the cows actually cry when a family member dies especially when it is her milk child. Yes, I have seen this personally when my grandmother died and is widely documented in India. The deracinated urban Indian fools in this thread, the same people who think their own skin color is inferior to those in the west and who think that their heathenistic ancestors were "civilized" by the barbarian colonial Britishers i.e., self respect lacking fools of the world heavily advocate beef eating and other forms of meat eating and call vegetarian Indians outdated primitive fools. These people know nothing of any aspects of Indian culture and don't respect any aspect of Indian culture until a white skinned person appreciates it. These self respect lacking morons should be hardly taken seriously in their commentary of Indian culture. The aspects of how cow is and was treated in India is not just widely documented but also is directly spoken of in Hindu scriptures specifically Srimad Bhagavatham in 10th canto while describing Lord Krishna's life as a cow herder. So, you are free to do your own personal research to authenticate the veracity of all sentences written here. And to the deracinated Indians, in this thread I say (to quote Rowan Atkinson): " Sod off. I don't trust you to sit the right way on a toilet seat"
What a fantastic video! You are truly making some amazing content which is going to do wonders for educating people about veganism. We sit and watch these with our children as part of homeschooling! Thank you for all of your hard work Emily! 😊
This is such a good presentation! I wish there were more people like you on this planet. Your dedication is inspiring and your sincerity really comes through. Soon as I get paid I will donate to your cause.
John Dow wow thank you so much :) i really do appreciate it. i'm so glad the hard work comes through ;) it's worth it if it reaches one person and gets them thinking!
every video you upload I'm always impressed at the amount of effort & time you put into them - this one especially amazes me! thank you for always putting 110% into your work, we REALLY appreciate it
Girl, 73 hours?! Wow! Looking forward to part 2!! And now that you mention it, I think a dedicated video on the invention of tofu would be awesome! Thank you Emily, keep doing what you do!
Thank you for using facts and history to help people understand veganism! I feel like one of the most difficult parts of living this lifestyle is uneducated people who assume they know why youre doing it. The effort you put into your work makes a difference and helps us vegans and non vegans alike!
You are so articulate. In a sea of meandering youtubers with "opinions on stuff" and click baiting trash, you stand out. We need more of you!!!! I love your channel!!!!! Keep up the good work : )
I can't even imagine the amount of time it took to research, procure, and produce this video! It is very well done, and I learned a lot. Thank you for making this!
As a vegan ancient history student this was so great to watch and so interesting...you've given me an idea for my dissertation next year! Kinda gutted none of this was raised in my ancient medicine module seeing as we discuss diet and lifestyle...vegetarianism/veganism just got ignored...oh well at least i know now!
According to the father in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" every word in every language started from Greek. And we know that all nutrition ultimately comes from plants. So there!
"To be non-violoent to human beings and to a killer or enemy of the poor animals is satan´s philosphy" that is the most retarded quote, fuck christian quote that has no clue who Satan is.. first off god killed billions of animals in the flood and Satan none so that quote is shit
I think I love you after seeing that well researched, well thought out video. I have a feeling you put in a lot more than the 73 hours directly related to the production of the video. Just kidding about the love thing but I very much appreciate the work you put into this and wish there were many more people as dedicated as yourself. Thank you!!!
I'm a theologian, so I knew about the scriptures in the Hebrew Bible regarding following a plant based diet-- I did not know about the Greek philosophers, though. Something interesting is that the early Christians were largely influenced by Platonic ideals (many converts were members of Plato's schools)-- transmigration of the soul wasn't a heretical teaching in Christianity until Emperor Justinian made it so in the 6th century. Perhaps the other ideas regarding a plant based diet also made it into some Christian communities. I'm pretty sure that Orthodox Hermits follow a vegan or largely plant-based diet to this day. Anyway-- very interesting video, I loved it...and today starts week 4 as a vegan for me :-)
Far from truth. This video skips a lot of vegetarian/christian info. John the baptist-vegan and I never read of Jesus eating fish just doing miracles with them which was symbolic and not actual event. There were huge sects of vegetarian christians, that's how vegetarian versus entered the new testament.
Holy cow this was amazing! If this was taught in my history lessons at school i would of made more effort to actually go to them. We need a vegan tv channel to be aired worldwide so all these vids etc can be seen by non-youtubers!
Funny how the important stuff like critical thinking, life education (how to manage health, wealth, our minds, relationships), compassion, empathy, being connected to nature, veganism + health and environment and the economy aren't taught in schools..
This is amazing, Emily. I can tell you worked super hard on it, thank you so much for presenting us with this information. It's amazing how many Christians (myself being one) fight against veganism, yet there are clear passages in scripture that God intended us to thrive on vegetation before the fall of man. Anywho, great video!
Wow, what a truckload of information. Thank you so much. I want to read up on so much of this, especially Jainism's early vegan/vegetarian thought and Pythagorus' as well as Ovid's perspectives.
I wonder if anyone ever asked Plutarch where he got his protein . . . This was fascinating, and fantastic as a piece of scholarship--kudos to you, Emily! Thanks so much for posting. I eagerly await future installments!
This was such an interesting video to watch. I used to love the History channel and pouring over old back issues of National Geographic, picking out articles on ancient civilizations. Now, I'm getting my history fix from you. You're awesome. Thanks for putting in all that hard work.
Wow! This nugget just blew me away. It would have taken me a whole year to acquire all of this great information on my own. I am so looking forward to the next installment. Thanks a million, Emily. You rock!
I am glad you mentioned religion because most people that try to tell you that GOD said that the animals were for food pick and choice what parts of the Bible they choose to believe.
In the New Testament Jesus ate fish and lamb, it’s not picking and choosing. Jesus doesn’t mind vegans or meat eaters he wants us to be thankful for our food and not waste.
Sofia Bravo If you look deeply enough, though, it’s clear that meat only became a food source post-Flood because the vegetation was dead. It was necessary at that time, so God allowed it; it’s no longer necessary, so you have to question whether we should now be returning to pre-Flood philosophy. Jesus’ time on earth did away with much of the previous teachings of the Scriptures, including Mosaic law and the need for animal sacrifices. It’s reasonable to assume that when he lays out the two commandments that were intended to replace Mosaic law - “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole body, your whole heart, and your whole mind, and you must love your neighbour as yourself” - he may well have been including animals amongst our neighbours. After all, we’re all inhabitants of planet earth.
Excellent video, I can't believe I haven't seen it sooner. I'm about to watch the others. If you're ever curious to make a prequel, I recommend "Return to the Brain of Eden" by Tony Wright as an excellent resource.
Wow, fabulouso! Throughout the whole video I was thinking about the amount of time you must have spent to do that much research. Thanks for letting us know.
One thing you need to consider about ancient people not being "vegan enough", e.g., using animals for labor or for wool, was that there was no motorized machinery then. You needed animals to pull plows and wagons and carts and bear loads. You had no other options. In such circumstances, I think it's perfectly acceptable to use animals in that way, else they wouldn't have survived. Remember, the definition of vegan includes the phrase "...as far as is practicable and possible...". I think it would be perfectly fine to call such ancient vegetarians 'vegans'.
I admire your research and patience in investigating the matter. Really, you have put so much effort and dedication in this you make me want to translate it in my language (italian) to be able to share this video with my friends. Hopefully I'll find some time to do that!
+FrancyKanae93 Same here! With all the emphasis our school system puts on studying ancient philosophy, latin and ancient greek, I think the long list of important personalities who argued for vegetarianism/veganism in this video will make quite the impression, since they're people most of us have spent months/years getting acquainted with.
My thoughts are that 2000 years from now people will find your nuggets in your hard drive and use your story (or history) as an example of how we evolved to a conscious society. I picture big-headed humans talking to each other: "people used to eat meat? eww"
Or they will still be making the same arguments, and use her videos as examples of "ancient history"... *lol* I'm not sure if I feel more inspired, or frustrated after watching the video... :D
Hi Emily! I know I'm coming a bit late to the party here, but I just wanted to say thank you for all the great work you have done and especially for this series of videos. It's very motivational to know that so many great minds throughout the years have all arrived at the principles of veganism, despite differences in culture, religion, geography, etc. I've just started setting up my own channel, hence why I'm only now beginning to post replies to some of the videos that I found to be awesome at the early stages of my path to veganism. I wish you all the best!
Clint Dickerson He's also called "The Good Shepherd." Don't forget that shepherds don't take care of the sheep because they love sheep. They do it because they intend to kill and eat some of them, and fleece the rest
Thank you for giving us another tool we can use to explain why we live this way. It's quite a lot of information compressed into a short video. I loved that you included quotes from the bible, as so many people use it to excuse meat eating and abuse of animals.
+Logan Greene Precisely! It just further shows their ignorance because never once did Christ, God, Buddha, Allah, etc., etc., condone Animal consumption. They were all avidly opposed to the murder of any innocent being. Instead of twisting scripture to fit their agenda, followers of any religion need to relearn how to interpret the holy scripture they supposedly follow.
"To be non-violoent to human beings and to a killer or enemy of the poor animals is satan´s philosphy" that is the most retarded quote, fuck christian quote that has no clue who Satan is.. first off god killed billions of animals in the flood and Satan none so that quote is shit.
I haven't adapted Veganism yet, but am very interested in it. I just jave to say that this was the most excellent video I have seen on the subject so far. If this were part of the "Vegan Agenda" instead of the disgraceful attitude that Freelee shows, I would have adapted it long ago.
Fascinating content! Bravo and thank you for these collections. Plutarch’s incisive essay should be known to all, but of course it’s been nearly obliterated from the intellectual record. Thanks for unearthing it to edify young folks on the path, and for all your scholarship. This old fart is annoyed by the droning, clanging background music; but if it helps engage the kids, go for it! You’re doing a valuable service for the animals and our misguided species.
Thanks for a brilliant video. As a vegan and write I respect it for presenting relevant facts in a very entertaining manner. Keeping it light and fast moving makes the information very accessible and digestible (pun intended). The origin of veganism is a topic about which I've had an ongoing interest for some time. I have done some of my own research on the origins of veganism and was aware of some of the information you presented. However some of the references you cite were new to me. I agree that eating meat is likely to have been an adaptation to environmental or population pressures. Given human biology it is pretty clear we are not carnivores by nature. I think this is a critically important point in the early origins of the human species, the pivotal nature of which is generally not fully appreciated. Eating meat is clearly an aggressive behaviour. Such aggression requires a certain kind of predatory thinking. It also requires a kind of dominance mentality which associates survival with killing. Predatory behaviours are absent in Herbivores. As we are more biologically related to herbivorous animals,and specifically primates, it seems entirely clear that at some point our ancient ancestors made a conscious choice to begin eating meat. This intentional, and was not simply an evolutionary hiccup. It was a choice which could only be made as a result of intelligence and the capacity for reason. It is also likely that the exact mechanism for making such a decision is lost forever in the dim mists of prehistory. However we must assume the behavior was integrated into the behavioural matrix of early humans well before we collectively recognized the implications of becoming predators. Humans are oft times compared to our closest primate relatives Chimpanzees. Until recently it chimps were said to be entirely vegetarian. However additional research has shown this to be a false idea. Chimps not only eat meat, but they actively hunt monkeys in organized group hunting parties. It has also been shown that they will also on occasion eat their own young. Some researchers have suggested that hunting and meat eating in chimps is a form of dominance behavior. The theories put forward include that such behaviors establish individual dominance with a troupe, as well as territoriality. The nature of the behaviours is obviously intentional. The reasoning which supports this rests on the fact that Chimps engage in hunting behaviours even when their is sufficient food from other sources. In other words they are making a deliberate choice. The parallel with human behaviour is then pretty clear. In spite of our biology and food from other sources, many humans still continue to pursue meat as a choice. Why we do this is I think the key question to resolve in any discussion about the origin of the vegan diet, and it's re-emergence as a global movement. We will never likely know the exact point of origin of veganism. I would guess that in point of fact it was simply our natural state of being. Carbon dating has pushed back the earliest know date for meat consumption to very early dates (I can't quote those dates here from memory). In my opinion our very early modern human ancestors were likely omnivores. My guess is that we were opportunistic in our diet. While we lacked fangs and claws, we certainly could eat insects, bugs and perhaps other tiny creatures which could be easily captured. In many parts of the world, insects are still routinely eaten, which offers up evidence for this theory. Consumption of these tiny creatures is likely the true origin of meat in the human diet. Being able to capture and consume small life forms may have stimulated the idea that larger creatures could also be consumed. In these early dietary trials might be found the true origins of both predatory behaviour and the evolution of so called higher consciousness about the value of life. If these musing are based in truth they could then represent the early scism we find today in human culture. Here we my find the odd paradox that allows us to love some animals and eat others.
Marvin Double Think you so much for your thoughtful comment! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video. I really appreciate you sharing your insights! To have to dig back into this later :)
I should have also noted that I find all your videos well done and really on the mark so far as my own opinions and ideas are concerned. I relate very well to your content. As you so clearly show in your video, being vegan is an ancient ideology, even when technically doing so did not conform to our modern understanding or practice. I find it especially interesting that vegan principles have best survived as part of religious practices, most notably of these being Hindu and Jainism. This spiritual aspect of being vegan can seem to get lost in the more secular views which are predominant in current discussions. I am not religious and so follow no specific doctrine or faith. However I do subscribe to a belief in a divine origin of life. I shy away from using words like sacred when describing the mystical nature of life. Such words are loaded with symbolism and certain religious overtones which can impede truly open discussion. With that point in view I am now finding some vegans holding to a dogmatic, and virtually religious concept of what it means to be vegan. Open honest discussions with such folks can be frustrating, if not impossible. I have been vegetarian / near vegan or ethically vegan since 1980. In that time I've accumulated a good deal of experience and some understanding of what it means to live this lifestyle. This experience allows me to better appreciate your work in perhaps a different way than others might. Further to that point I live in a home with 5 others who are non-vegan. These range in age from 15 through 65. In other words, each day I am confronted with walking my talk. I am then something of an expert in the direct application of tolerance and compassion. Which returns me to the application of certain spiritual principles which I often find lacking in the vegan community as a whole. Congratulations on your good work, you have might support.
Marvin Double Am I wrong in thinking that (based on what I have read/learned thus far) humans were only able to evolve the way we did though through our historical biological habit of meat consumption? The influence of animal protein on the brain, increasing it in size, complexity etc. I am vegan but I think it is generally considered that our species would have never made it to our current state of evolution without carnivorism. I think biologically we have passed that state however, just like we passed the evolutionary state of having to use crude stone tools etc. we now consider incest a crime (whereas a few hundred years ago this was normal biologically/evolutionary). Genuine question(s). I have not done detailed reading/research on this.
Pat H I did a bit of research on this subject a while back and what I found was that meat consumption likely did help us evolve though not because of animal protein but the caloric density of meat which left humans with spare energy and so allowed the human body to develop the brain (if I remember everything correctly)
Pat H We vegans will argue that humans are principally herbivores. Indeed everything about human anatomy, specifically our digestive system strongly supports this theory. There is a ton of evidence to support this view, from short flat grinding, teeth and sliding jaws, to long digestive tracts best suited to extracting nutrition from plants. I think however to be accurate we really should be classified as omnivores. It is my contention that our early ancestors ate pretty much anything they could grasp or catch and get into their mouth. This would likely have included insects, or every variety, including their larvae. We could do this because we have functional oppositional thumbs and very flexible digits. In point of fact in a variety of countries around the world insects are eaten routinely as part of normal diets. This is likely only a reflection of an older and much more traditional way of eating. Many insects have a protein content which is higher than beef, are obviously easier to catch and are abundant. In a variable, seasonal terrain primary food sources may have been highly varied, causing primitive ancestors to seek out any and all food sources. It is important to note that we are taking about a very long evolutionary time scale, and an evolutionary process across thousands of generations. I should also note that our primary food sources were undoubtedly plants. Small groups of early humans likely roamed across the terrain moving with the seasons taking advantage of local fruit and other plant materials as they ripened. Hunting, settlements and raising animals as part of agriculture is a very recent development on the over all time line I am suggesting here. The forces which set the biological blueprint for the human species would stretch back to the very earliest members of our species. The fact that humans can actually digest meat is likely a direct result of consuming bugs during part of the history. I reason that this must be true be cause we lack the characteristics of a true carnivore, namely fangs, claws and short smooth digestive tract. Compared to true predators humans were more likely prey. Given our dexterous, grasping hands and colour vision we may well have been more resourceful at finding food than other species. We may have gotten additional protein from eating nuts, seeds as well as things like mussels, clams other other aquatic life forms found in tide pools or fresh water lakes and streams. The argument that we simply started "eating meat" as an explanation for brain development does not account for how we did this. While it is clear that at some point we did begin to hunt, use fire for cooking and eat meat, most theories are rather sketchy on why and how. I propose that my theory fills in the backstory of the process which eventually led to those changes in behaviour. Fast forward to today, and we are now seeing a new evolution take place as more people become vegan. While eating meat has been part of the human diet for some time, many now recognize that doing so is not ideal for personal health, or the health of the planet. At the same time there is a generalized understanding of our need to become more caring compassionate collectively. Many have discovered that eating meat is not necessary for human nutrition. We now know something our ancient ancestors did not. When it comes to what we eat, we have a choice.
I just suscribed and I wanna go vegan , I Am new at this but all makes sense to me, this is an excellent video , creative, outstanding, well explained, just great. Regards from México and I just watched all your videos and sharing them with my friends and family , also with my girlfriend, its just fantastic
Hi, how is your vegan life going? I'm asking because your comment was posted six years ago. I hope it's going great! I also think it's great that you're sharing these videos with your friends and family! From another fellow vegan.
Wow, this video has to be one of your crowning achievements right here! At least so far. Very well done, and I will be sharing many times in the future! Thank you so much for your time in doing this, Emily. :)
Excellent video! I was aware of much of this (having an interest in historical vegetarianism) but not all of it - and you bring all this information together so beautifully.
The Mahayana Sutras clearly state that a Bodhisattva should not eat the flesh of sentient beings because in countless past lives all sentient beings have been one's Mother. How could one aspire to awaken Bodhicitta while devouring the flesh of another. Its the ultimate expression of greed and selfishness.
Excellent work, impressive evidence to counter the cruel lies put out by today's dominionists of both the religious and science worshipping types; thank you so much.
I'm soooooo glad to discover that Seneca was a Vego.... "Ignis aurum probat; miseria fortes viros". great quote, great guy. Thankyou Emily for all your hard work.
Does anyone know a more accurate translation of the Srimad Bhagavatam 1.10.6 quote? The reference to Satan in that english translation clearly reflects western bias and revisionism. Unfortunately we don't have many different translations of Hindu texts so this translation is the only one I can find. I'm just curious what the name was of the being or concept it actually mentioned in the original text.
Saladin1187 Thanks for pointing that. Satan is not part of the Hindu cosmology so probably was an interpretation of western origin. Likely a Christian or Muslim interpretation of the evil being mentioned in the original quote. Maybe the translator thought Satan fitted the description better. I am curious too about it.
+guaycura Hinduism has "devas" = gods, and "asura" or "rakshasa" which mean demons. this is the translation of 1.10.6 prabhupadabooks.com/sb/1/10/6 hope this helps.
+axamsa there is no text in Hinduism that talks about a vegan diet tho, hinduism is lacto-vegeterian culture, because milk from cow is very sacred. Exploitation of animals and specially cows is the greatest sin however. Milk should come from protected cows and they should be allowed to live their life peacefully after they stop producing milk.
*Vegans In Ancient Times | The History of Veganism Part One*
How far back does the vegan lifestyle reach? Is veganism a modern-day invention? Were there vegans in ancient times? In this first edition of The History of Veganism series, we look back- way back- to ancient times, staring 9,000 years ago to trace the roots of veganism to their very source. For complete citations and further reading, see the blog post for this video: www.BiteSizeVegan.com/AncientVeganism The time it took to produce this video was 73 hours. If you’d like to help support Bite Size Vegan so I can continue to burn the midnight (animal-free) oil, check out the support links in the video description
Tweetables:
What is the History of Veganism?: ctt.ec/M3249
Were there vegans in ancient times ctt.ec/1fSEB
The Egyptian Emperor Who Banned Animal Sacrifice: ctt.ec/Rn5Mq
Non-injury to all living beings is the only religion: ctt.ec/fNc2e
Vegans: answering the “canine” question for over 2,000 years: ctt.ec/cifJb
Before Facebook: bit.ly/1GGVUEx
Featured Videos/Further Resources:
What’s Wrong With Wool?: bit.ly/1yr0ZZ7
Vegan vs. Vegetarian: bit.ly/1xrrCg6
The Morality of Meat: bit.ly/1EpFqQs
Are We Carnivores?: bit.ly/1y2UVWk
What’s the Problem With Honey?: bit.ly/SayNoToHoney
#history #veganism #vegan #ancient #rome #hinduism #jainism #bitesizevegan
I am just gobsmacked by how thorough this report is, *****. So much awesomeness. *_Thank you!!_*
***** thanks so, so much! took A LOT of time (and I didn't realize how long it was going to be until it was too late to split it)....hopefully it still reaches people despite the "epoch" nature.
***** Your channel is undoubtedly the best vegan channel on youtube! The effort you put into your videos is just remarkable. I am astounded. You literally take veganism to a different level. Please keep up the great service you are doing to the oppressed souls of this earth.I am definitely going to contribute to your channel on patreon. I am not earning at present but by the end of this year I promise that I'll make a hefty donation. I will be doing a service to myself by doing so!You rock!!
Harsh Shah ***** I'll second that. …And I'm going to have to watch this again. So much goodness.
Wow... This is a great. I have read about Hinduism, Jainism, Ahimsa, and a few others you pointed out. However it would have taken me way more time to research all of the cultures/religions you touched on in this video. You rock! Thanks again!
Your attention to detail is unmatched. You outdid yourself with this one. Honestly, it is one of the best videos on animal rights I have ever seen. Love you.
Gary Yourofsky thank you so very much, Gary! your support means the world. thank you for all you that you do for the animals!
Superb video. It's heartening to know our fight has old roots.
Can't wait for the next installment!
Gary Yourofsky ***** Love both of you.
Absolutely amazing. Vegans are awesome!!😀
Wow, a shout out from the man himself! You're awesome Gary, I love the way you handled Lucy Aharish!
It's actually pretty sad that people have been advocating for a compassionate, vegan diet for over 9,000 years and yet most people still don't get it. You would think that back when it was mostly about being a spiritual life style more people would have caught on. Now that is is considered a "fad" to most non-vegans I'm afraid it will be much harder to get people to change over from the "dark side" to this compassionate, healthy and environmentally friendly life style.
True, it is ridiculous that it's taken this long.
However I don't think it is harder today to get people to go vegan. I think it is easier, because in the modern age people have more options for food and have greater access to different ideas around the world. I'm sure that vegans comprise a much larger proportion of the world population today than they ever did in the past (we're a small group relative to the whole, but veganism grows more popular with time).
And I know that people don't like hearing religion criticized and I don't mean to offend anyone here, but it looks like the growth of agnosticism/atheism and spirituality that isn't based in organized religion is also contributing to the rise of veganism. Organized religion may have actually been holding animal rights back, despite what we'd expect.
I say this because the concept of human superiority and animal sacrifice - and even support for meat- eating - is built into many religions (Ecc 3 is really the only exception in the Bible. The other books of the Bible, written by different authors, clearly endorse the concept of human superiority - and even Ecc doesn't actually condemn eating meat or using animals). But when people lack a supernatural worldview to arbitrarily assert the right of humans to abuse and kill, you see a greater proportion of people accepting the logical ethical conclusion that veganism is morally right. Poll after poll shows that vegans are more likely to be agnostic/atheist or ''spiritual' but not a member of organized faith than the general population - a lot more.
Sorry for the long comment, but anyway, that's why I think there's good news for veganism and we can be optimistic about people adopting a compassionate lifestyle.
I think the lack of ability to supplement on b12 maybe the reason for this lack of vegan diets traditionally whereas vegetarian diets were possible. However, today b12 is easily available making veganism more feasible.
garreth d'souza Amythyst Rose, I expect the B12 issue wasn't an issue before modern cleanliness and pesticides; the B12 producing bacteria, found in healthy soil, would have likely 'contaminated' vegetables, and so, would have passed into the body when consumed on 'dirty' veg. See... I paid attention to your B12 video, *****;D
nutritionfacts.org/2011/08/25/vegan-b12-deficiency-putting-it-into-perspective/ nutritionfacts.org/topics/vitamin-b12/
Ilea Learn Eco I haven't come across any scientific paper saying its possible to get it just by not washing organic produce. If anything that's the myth. until a scientific paper shows that, its promoting dangerous rhetoric or anecdotal claims that might not actually work for everyone. my contention is that perhaps that's why almost no societies evolved to have vegan diets, but many vegetarian diets were feasible even in ancient times.. jacknorrisrd.com/response-to-vegan-vitamin-b12-deficiency-is-a-myth/
I went vegan two weeks ago. I've never had better grades in school. My attention-span has become sharper and the clarity I have now is amazing.
I also tore my patella tendon about a month ago playing rugby and after surgery my doctor said it is going to take me 6months to recover. I'm actually already walking. I called the doctor several days ago to let him know that I can walk. When the doctor saw me walk on my leg he called me crazy. That my patella should have snapped from applying pressure throughly from heel to toe and that I should at least feel strain or pain, I felt no pain. I was also able to bend my knee passed 90degrees and anybody that has torn an ACL, MCL or PCL knows that it takes months upon months to get you knee to bend passed 90degrees. Keep in mind I tore my patella which is the worst type of tendon tear in the knee region. Now doctor said at this rate I will most likely get the release to workout my leg I had surgery on in a from now month.
Wow, that's great that you're doing better in school, and congragulations on your quick recovery!
I think it's great that you're vegan! How is your vegan life now?
From another fellow vegan!
I can bet you $1 million that you are no longer vegan lol
Great video! I'm 4 months vegan and digging into all areas of history, spiritualism, etc. just subscribed to your channel. Yay! I now know where tofu originated 👍🏽
You briefly covered this but I want to add that between the life of Pythagoras and the coining of the term vegetarian, abstaining from consuming animals was often called "The Pythagorean Diet." Also with ancient vegetarians, majority were vegan because they mainly ate whole foods. And I love that Pythagorean quote! I came across it a few months ago, and started researching his teachings, not even knowing about his devotion to vegetarianism.
This was kind of assumed but also adding humans adapted to drinking non-human milk only 7,500 years ago! Not to mention that the majority of the world is lactose intolerant (60% having lactose or dairy allergies globally, and 90% having milk allergies in Asia). My hypothesis is that there was a shortage of food or water in some areas, and we had to adapt, like you mentioned with the crops being destroyed and resorting to meat.
Really good video :) I may have to send it to my history professor who is vegetarian.
thank you all for being so patient with me with this one- technical issues will be the death of me. but, it's up! just an hour later than usual. appreciate you all understanding!
***** The amount of work that goes in your videos is remarkable Emily! You are a goddess!
***** wow thank you so much :)
***** You are amazing! Such an inspiration and support to all of us vegans! Go! Go!
+celt130 i developed B12 deficiency and megaloblastic anemia before going vegan.....
+celt130 b12 used to naturally be in our water before we dumped fluoride into most of it. And we're not omnivores.
YOU Emily are making HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is an AMAZING video and series. You are by far the BEST youtuber in history - friken amazing! How on earth you put all this info together, we have no idea ... it's like you made a documentary, or wrote a PHD on the topic! If you had lived in antiquity, someone would be writing about you today. Can't wait to watch the other parts of this series. We laughed so much at the Chinese creating tofu part :D So interesting to hear about this history and wow at the guy who really summed up ethical veganism (no wool, honey etc). Years ago we lived in India in an ashram and that's when we first ate vegetarian. We learned about vegetarian philosophy through Hinduism ... but we were so confused as to why the swami (head poncho) was depicted sitting on a tiger skin! We asked the question but were told not to question too much/ not to read into things too much... as dense as we were back then, we knew it was hypocritical .... the vegan seeds were sprouting ;) THANK YOU for the work you do. Much love, strength and courage to you xoxo
Move Me_Yoga Food Life Thank you so much! I actually did the whole video from start to finish researching, Writing, filming, editing within a four-day window. it was rather ridiculous. Most of my videos I compose from zero to finish within two days but this one required for. Which is still rather breakneck speed. The secret? Don't have a life. :-) seriously though I'm happy to do it if it helps people and makes a difference from animals. I'm so glad that you liked the tofu part. That was my favorite. And I know! That was a total ethical vegan argument over 2000 years ago! Thank you so much for your support and for watching and taking the time to comment.
***** at the end of the video we look at each other wondering how this video was possible and concluded "she doesn't have a life" ... the dedication!!! Well, it certainly is making a difference so your efforts are not in vain. You're a real inspiration to us and we're so glad we can support you on Patreon. Have a great day and sending much love xo
I know its a long time but let me try to answer your question on tiger skin. The tiger skin was apractice that existed in ancient times when saints would meditate in forests. They could not kill any animals but if there is a dead animal they could use the skin for making a mat on which they could sit. One theory was that the other animals would not come near the tiger skin and disturb them.
This was amazing! Thank you so much for all your hard work, Emily!
+Layla A Thank you so much! It's been a LOT of work for this series...each one has seemed to take more time ;P hope to get part 4 out soonish :)
The devout Jains are people I can admire. I don't see society at large becoming like that.
This is amazing I am newly Vegan and this just made me feel so much better about my choice when my family and friends think im insane for this choice
sexiLauren05 that's why I make these videos. congratulations on becoming a vegan!
Translated this video (Croatian). Wow, I admire you so much. It took me 5 hours to translate, I can only imagine how tough it was for you, to create this amazing huge nugget.
I haven't seen another Croat on UA-cam in ages
Sam Bacic
Ja sam čak i primjetila, jako mi je drago kad vidim naše na ovakvim videima :'D
were is this translation i gotta send this to relos in croatia 😚
click on the settings, at the bottom right corner there is a flower like wheel, click on it and then click subtitles and scroll down till you see croatian. :D
Phantom Zephyr Ⓥ you are the best xo
I was originally raised a lacto vegetarian in a Hindu family. The concept of veganism is paradoxically still uncommon in India (predominately Hindu , 35% of which are lacto vegetarians) because even though the cow is held as sacred in India, Indians still consume milk thinking of it as an elixir. It's ironic now since obtaining milk from cows is akin to stealing.
Seeing how wise some of these Indians were 1000's of years ago always makes me proud to be one and inspires me haha to want to learn more and be a better person. Though there are far more unconscious ones haha..
That is the difference between "Shakahar" (=veganism) and "Niramishahar" (=vegetarianism). But nowadays people use the word shakahar for vegetarianism, which is not correct. Because milk and dairy is not shak(a).
I can fully attest to this
@Everyone in this thread: Yes, historically India and Indians never shied away from practicing cattle raring and consumption of cow milk. But, let me elaborate a bit here. The practice was to not rare cows but accept them as family members. In the Vedas, it says, every human has seven mothers: 1) Your own mother who gave birth to you, 2) the wife of your teacher who imparts knowledge to you, 3) the wife of the local priest who takes care of people's spiritual health, 4) the wife of the king who cares for her subjects, 5) the nurse who took care of you, 6) mother earth who nourishes and protects you in her embrace, 7) mother cow who feeds you generously her milk. If you think this is exaggeration, let me tell you one thing. Even in modern Indian rural regions, the practice is to have one cow per every person consuming milk. The person who consumes the cow's milk would get up in the morning feed his/her milk mother with grass, give her a good bath, allow her real children i.e., calves to be fed their mother's milk and when the children are fed satisfactorily, then collect the remaining milk from her udders and help her rest for the day and later take her for grazing. The cows are given funerals as pompous as humans. And if you think this is all gestures from humans without reciprocation from the animal, the cows actually cry when a family member dies especially when it is her milk child. Yes, I have seen this personally when my grandmother died and is widely documented in India. The deracinated urban Indian fools in this thread, the same people who think their own skin color is inferior to those in the west and who think that their heathenistic ancestors were "civilized" by the barbarian colonial Britishers i.e., self respect lacking fools of the world heavily advocate beef eating and other forms of meat eating and call vegetarian Indians outdated primitive fools. These people know nothing of any aspects of Indian culture and don't respect any aspect of Indian culture until a white skinned person appreciates it. These self respect lacking morons should be hardly taken seriously in their commentary of Indian culture. The aspects of how cow is and was treated in India is not just widely documented but also is directly spoken of in Hindu scriptures specifically Srimad Bhagavatham in 10th canto while describing Lord Krishna's life as a cow herder. So, you are free to do your own personal research to authenticate the veracity of all sentences written here. And to the deracinated Indians, in this thread I say (to quote Rowan Atkinson): " Sod off. I don't trust you to sit the right way on a toilet seat"
So is my cow stealing alfalfa from me? If I feed her why can't she feed me?
What a fantastic video! You are truly making some amazing content which is going to do wonders for educating people about veganism. We sit and watch these with our children as part of homeschooling! Thank you for all of your hard work Emily! 😊
Are you vegan now?? Clearly not guess morals didn't stick
Wow, you did such a great job! This could easily be shown on tv and in schools as part of the history classes. Sadly, I doubt it ever will...
Alina Toft Petersen wow thank you! and yeah...probably won't happen :)
Damn woman, your analytical nature is awe inspiring
Excellent job. Very informative. Thank you so much!
+palabrasmagicas so very welcome!
This is such a good presentation! I wish there were more people like you on this planet. Your dedication is inspiring and your sincerity really comes through. Soon as I get paid I will donate to your cause.
John Dow wow thank you so much :) i really do appreciate it. i'm so glad the hard work comes through ;) it's worth it if it reaches one person and gets them thinking!
every video you upload I'm always impressed at the amount of effort & time you put into them - this one especially amazes me! thank you for always putting 110% into your work, we REALLY appreciate it
plantbased judy thank you so much! i'm really glad that it come across well- and i wish it was shorter! ;P
plantbased judy Same thoughts here! :)
Great videos.
I’ve been having this convo lately wondering how far back! ✨ thanks so much for your time! 👽💞✨
Girl, 73 hours?! Wow! Looking forward to part 2!! And now that you mention it, I think a dedicated video on the invention of tofu would be awesome! Thank you Emily, keep doing what you do!
Re-watching ! Awesome job Emily. I might, if you agree of course, quote you in my future thesis on theology and veganism 🌹
Thank you for using facts and history to help people understand veganism! I feel like one of the most difficult parts of living this lifestyle is uneducated people who assume they know why youre doing it. The effort you put into your work makes a difference and helps us vegans and non vegans alike!
Erica R education is key! thank you :)
Fascinating, and wonderful to know that this goes way back! Thamk you!
Your videos are becoming a vital source of quality information and outreach for the vegan movement! Excellent job, Emily! Keep up the amazing work! xo
Meat Free Athlete thank you so much :-)
Great video Emily loved it, thanks for sharing hope you're well.🌱📜🌅🍀
You are so articulate. In a sea of meandering youtubers with "opinions on stuff" and click baiting trash, you stand out. We need more of you!!!! I love your channel!!!!! Keep up the good work : )
Excellent sources. Thanks for sharing this. People need to know.
It's comforting to see that veganism dates so far back in time. It is great news.it warms my heart.
I can't even imagine the amount of time it took to research, procure, and produce this video! It is very well done, and I learned a lot. Thank you for making this!
As a vegan ancient history student this was so great to watch and so interesting...you've given me an idea for my dissertation next year! Kinda gutted none of this was raised in my ancient medicine module seeing as we discuss diet and lifestyle...vegetarianism/veganism just got ignored...oh well at least i know now!
Amazing video. Thanks for doing all of this research for the community! This will be a long-term nutritional history piece for sure
Proud to be Greek and Vegan😛🇬🇷💙
According to the father in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" every word in every language started from Greek. And we know that all nutrition ultimately comes from plants. So there!
haha same here
same♥♥
"To be non-violoent to human beings and to a killer or enemy of the poor animals is satan´s philosphy" that is the most retarded quote, fuck christian quote that has no clue who Satan is.. first off god killed billions of animals in the flood and Satan none so that quote is shit
Following the Christianization of the Roman Empire in late antiquity (4th-6th centuries), vegetarianism nearly disappeared from Europe.
- Wikipedia
I think I love you after seeing that well researched, well thought out video. I have a feeling you put in a lot more than the 73 hours directly related to the production of the video. Just kidding about the love thing but I very much appreciate the work you put into this and wish there were many more people as dedicated as yourself. Thank you!!!
I'm a theologian, so I knew about the scriptures in the Hebrew Bible regarding following a plant based diet-- I did not know about the Greek philosophers, though. Something interesting is that the early Christians were largely influenced by Platonic ideals (many converts were members of Plato's schools)-- transmigration of the soul wasn't a heretical teaching in Christianity until Emperor Justinian made it so in the 6th century. Perhaps the other ideas regarding a plant based diet also made it into some Christian communities. I'm pretty sure that Orthodox Hermits follow a vegan or largely plant-based diet to this day.
Anyway-- very interesting video, I loved it...and today starts week 4 as a vegan for me :-)
Urban Acolyte Jesus ate fish and lamb...read the Bible for actual information
Far from truth. This video skips a lot of vegetarian/christian info. John the baptist-vegan and I never read of Jesus eating fish just doing miracles with them which was symbolic and not actual event. There were huge sects of vegetarian christians, that's how vegetarian versus entered the new testament.
You take this thing to another level Bite Size. Thank you for bringing so much useful information and keeping this info alive! You're crucial!
This video is all kinds of awesome. Thank you for all your hard work Emily! :)
Kourti Marianthi thank you so much :)
This should be implemented in every schools curriculum, seriously... amazing job!
Holy cow this was amazing! If this was taught in my history lessons at school i would of made more effort to actually go to them. We need a vegan tv channel to be aired worldwide so all these vids etc can be seen by non-youtubers!
Theresa hehe :) thanks! that would be pretty freakin' awesome!
Funny how the important stuff like critical thinking, life education (how to manage health, wealth, our minds, relationships), compassion, empathy, being connected to nature, veganism + health and environment and the economy aren't taught in schools..
Awesome idea!
Emily, thank you so much for everything that you do to educate us all. Your efforts are very much appreciated.
This is amazing, Emily. I can tell you worked super hard on it, thank you so much for presenting us with this information. It's amazing how many Christians (myself being one) fight against veganism, yet there are clear passages in scripture that God intended us to thrive on vegetation before the fall of man. Anywho, great video!
Cristina Basile thank you so very much! and your'e so right- it's right in there
Wow, what a truckload of information. Thank you so much. I want to read up on so much of this, especially Jainism's early vegan/vegetarian thought and Pythagorus' as well as Ovid's perspectives.
I wonder if anyone ever asked Plutarch where he got his protein . . . This was fascinating, and fantastic as a piece of scholarship--kudos to you, Emily! Thanks so much for posting. I eagerly await future installments!
tamcon72 ha! Plutarch wouldn't stand for that sh*t ;P so glad you liked it!
This is such an informative video ! Much love many thanks 🙏 💜
Amazing, so interesting. I've always wondered about the history of veganism. I admire your research as well :) "great" doesn't even cover it !
Sonia Dembowska thanks so much :) glad it was helpful :)
thank you for exploring this topic and sharing with us 🙂
This was such an interesting video to watch. I used to love the History channel and pouring over old back issues of National Geographic, picking out articles on ancient civilizations. Now, I'm getting my history fix from you. You're awesome. Thanks for putting in all that hard work.
Mary's Test Kitchen | Vegan Cooking thanks! so glad you enjoyed it! a vegan history channel would be cool :)
This is a beautifully made video. Great content.
Wow this is some research! Just found your channel and it is wonderful! Thank you Emily 😊💗🌎
Wow! This nugget just blew me away. It would have taken me a whole year to acquire all of this great information on my own. I am so looking forward to the next installment. Thanks a million, Emily. You rock!
I am glad you mentioned religion because most people that try to tell you that GOD said that the animals were for food pick and choice what parts of the Bible they choose to believe.
In the New Testament Jesus ate fish and lamb, it’s not picking and choosing. Jesus doesn’t mind vegans or meat eaters he wants us to be thankful for our food and not waste.
Sofia Bravo If you look deeply enough, though, it’s clear that meat only became a food source post-Flood because the vegetation was dead. It was necessary at that time, so God allowed it; it’s no longer necessary, so you have to question whether we should now be returning to pre-Flood philosophy. Jesus’ time on earth did away with much of the previous teachings of the Scriptures, including Mosaic law and the need for animal sacrifices. It’s reasonable to assume that when he lays out the two commandments that were intended to replace Mosaic law - “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole body, your whole heart, and your whole mind, and you must love your neighbour as yourself” - he may well have been including animals amongst our neighbours. After all, we’re all inhabitants of planet earth.
This is an awesome video. You are giving very important while making it super fun to watch!
Thank you for being light for humans.
Love.
Can't wait to watch this one again :) Awesome work Emily!
blondgirl81 oh yay! i was worried no one would watch it the first time around cause it's so darn long!
Excellent video, I can't believe I haven't seen it sooner. I'm about to watch the others. If you're ever curious to make a prequel, I recommend "Return to the Brain of Eden" by Tony Wright as an excellent resource.
Thanks, Mr Nick 🙏
Wow, fabulouso! Throughout the whole video I was thinking about the amount of time you must have spent to do that much research. Thanks for letting us know.
Debby Martin well thank you :) glad it came across well :)
Great content as usual. Look forward to the next episodes.
FruitFrequency thank you!
Impressive research - nice job.
walter byrd thanks :)
This is wonderful ! So informative ! YOU ROCK !
One thing you need to consider about ancient people not being "vegan enough", e.g., using animals for labor or for wool, was that there was no motorized machinery then. You needed animals to pull plows and wagons and carts and bear loads. You had no other options. In such circumstances, I think it's perfectly acceptable to use animals in that way, else they wouldn't have survived. Remember, the definition of vegan includes the phrase "...as far as is practicable and possible...". I think it would be perfectly fine to call such ancient vegetarians 'vegans'.
You are amazing Emily 😍..What an informative video loved it.
Excellent video, thanks for the information and the clarity.
Besides awesome content, your video production skills are very impressive!
Holy crap! What an amazing amount of work you did Emily. I would pay for a final PDF of this history lesson. Just saying.
***** oh wow :) see i suck at business so i'm sure i'm missing out on a lot of monetization options ;P
***** seems to me you've already done most of the writing for an eBook. In your spare time you could put it all together. Yeah, spare time, heh.
Fascinating! Already shared on my Twitter - gotta spread the knowledge! =D
Can't wait for the next part.
SO informative- thank you :) Now I have a lot more well informed answers to those everyday ignorant questions people ask
I admire your research and patience in investigating the matter. Really, you have put so much effort and dedication in this you make me want to translate it in my language (italian) to be able to share this video with my friends. Hopefully I'll find some time to do that!
+FrancyKanae93 Same here! With all the emphasis our school system puts on studying ancient philosophy, latin and ancient greek, I think the long list of important personalities who argued for vegetarianism/veganism in this video will make quite the impression, since they're people most of us have spent months/years getting acquainted with.
My thoughts are that 2000 years from now people will find your nuggets in your hard drive and use your story (or history) as an example of how we evolved to a conscious society.
I picture big-headed humans talking to each other: "people used to eat meat? eww"
Barbara D HA! that would be awesome ;)
Or they will still be making the same arguments, and use her videos as examples of "ancient history"... *lol* I'm not sure if I feel more inspired, or frustrated after watching the video... :D
Hi Emily! I know I'm coming a bit late to the party here, but I just wanted to say thank you for all the great work you have done and especially for this series of videos. It's very motivational to know that so many great minds throughout the years have all arrived at the principles of veganism, despite differences in culture, religion, geography, etc.
I've just started setting up my own channel, hence why I'm only now beginning to post replies to some of the videos that I found to be awesome at the early stages of my path to veganism.
I wish you all the best!
It's interesting to me that Jesus in the Bible is referred to as an innocent lamb who was slain
Clint Dickerson He's also called "The Good Shepherd." Don't forget that shepherds don't take care of the sheep because they love sheep. They do it because they intend to kill and eat some of them, and fleece the rest
This must be taught in schools! Thanks for putting so much work into this.
Greg Straightege That would be awesome!
Thank you for giving us another tool we can use to explain why we live this way. It's quite a lot of information compressed into a short video. I loved that you included quotes from the bible, as so many people use it to excuse meat eating and abuse of animals.
It makes me sad when people use the bible to condone killing and torturing animals 😢
So true!
+Logan Greene Precisely! It just further shows their ignorance because never once did Christ, God, Buddha, Allah, etc., etc., condone Animal consumption. They were all avidly opposed to the murder of any innocent being. Instead of twisting scripture to fit their agenda, followers of any religion need to relearn how to interpret the holy scripture they supposedly follow.
"To be non-violoent to human beings and to a killer or enemy of the poor animals is satan´s philosphy" that is the most retarded quote, fuck christian quote that has no clue who Satan is.. first off god killed billions of animals in the flood and Satan none so that quote is shit.
This is amazing. You are awesome. Thanks for doing this series! History was always my fav class. 😁👍
I haven't adapted Veganism yet, but am very interested in it. I just jave to say that this was the most excellent video I have seen on the subject so far. If this were part of the "Vegan Agenda" instead of the disgraceful attitude that Freelee shows, I would have adapted it long ago.
What a treat! :) Thanks for this video, I can tell you worked really hard on it.
~Taylor~ thank you so much!
i love history and being a vegan so this is amazing!
I loved this! So informative and in depth! It's lovely to see that people all religions and walks of life being so compassionate, truly inspiring!
My family had been vegan for a millenia or probably more
The amount of research that went into this vid is phenomenal. So much info. Thank you again for all the hard work you put into this.
***** thank you so much- so glad it came out okay- though i really wish i'd known how long it was oing to be and cut it down!
this is really amazing. I'm a proud vegan~
Fascinating content! Bravo and thank you for these collections. Plutarch’s incisive essay should be known to all, but of course it’s been nearly obliterated from the intellectual record. Thanks for unearthing it to edify young folks on the path, and for all your scholarship. This old fart is annoyed by the droning, clanging background music; but if it helps engage the kids, go for it! You’re doing a valuable service for the animals and our misguided species.
Thanks for a brilliant video. As a vegan and write I respect it for presenting relevant facts in a very entertaining manner. Keeping it light and fast moving makes the information very accessible and digestible (pun intended).
The origin of veganism is a topic about which I've had an ongoing interest for some time. I have done some of my own research on the origins of veganism and was aware of some of the information you presented. However some of the references you cite were new to me.
I agree that eating meat is likely to have been an adaptation to environmental or population pressures. Given human biology it is pretty clear we are not carnivores by nature. I think this is a critically important point in the early origins of the human species, the pivotal nature of which is generally not fully appreciated.
Eating meat is clearly an aggressive behaviour. Such aggression requires a certain kind of predatory thinking. It also requires a kind of dominance mentality which associates survival with killing.
Predatory behaviours are absent in Herbivores. As we are more biologically related to herbivorous animals,and specifically primates, it seems entirely clear that at some point our ancient ancestors made a conscious choice to begin eating meat. This intentional, and was not simply an evolutionary hiccup. It was a choice which could only be made as a result of intelligence and the capacity for reason.
It is also likely that the exact mechanism for making such a decision is lost forever in the dim mists of prehistory. However we must assume the behavior was integrated into the behavioural matrix of early humans well before we collectively recognized the implications of becoming predators.
Humans are oft times compared to our closest primate relatives Chimpanzees. Until recently it chimps were said to be entirely vegetarian. However additional research has shown this to be a false idea. Chimps not only eat meat, but they actively hunt monkeys in organized group hunting parties. It has also been shown that they will also on occasion eat their own young.
Some researchers have suggested that hunting and meat eating in chimps is a form of dominance behavior. The theories put forward include that such behaviors establish individual dominance with a troupe, as well as territoriality. The nature of the behaviours is obviously intentional. The reasoning which supports this rests on the fact that Chimps engage in hunting behaviours even when their is sufficient food from other sources. In other words they are making a deliberate choice.
The parallel with human behaviour is then pretty clear. In spite of our biology and food from other sources, many humans still continue to pursue meat as a choice. Why we do this is I think the key question to resolve in any discussion about the origin of the vegan diet, and it's re-emergence as a global movement.
We will never likely know the exact point of origin of veganism. I would guess that in point of fact it was simply our natural state of being. Carbon dating has pushed back the earliest know date for meat consumption to very early dates (I can't quote those dates here from memory).
In my opinion our very early modern human ancestors were likely omnivores. My guess is that we were opportunistic in our diet. While we lacked fangs and claws, we certainly could eat insects, bugs and perhaps other tiny creatures which could be easily captured. In many parts of the world, insects are still routinely eaten, which offers up evidence for this theory.
Consumption of these tiny creatures is likely the true origin of meat in the human diet. Being able to capture and consume small life forms may have stimulated the idea that larger creatures could also be consumed. In these early dietary trials might be found the true origins of both predatory behaviour and the evolution of so called higher consciousness about the value of life.
If these musing are based in truth they could then represent the early scism we find today in human culture. Here we my find the odd paradox that allows us to love some animals and eat others.
Marvin Double Think you so much for your thoughtful comment! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video. I really appreciate you sharing your insights! To have to dig back into this later :)
I should have also noted that I find all your videos well done and really on the mark so far as my own opinions and ideas are concerned. I relate very well to your content.
As you so clearly show in your video, being vegan is an ancient ideology, even when technically doing so did not conform to our modern understanding or practice.
I find it especially interesting that vegan principles have best survived as part of religious practices, most notably of these being Hindu and Jainism.
This spiritual aspect of being vegan can seem to get lost in the more secular views which are predominant in current discussions. I am not religious and so follow no specific doctrine or faith. However I do subscribe to a belief in a divine origin of life.
I shy away from using words like sacred when describing the mystical nature of life. Such words are loaded with symbolism and certain religious overtones which can impede truly open discussion.
With that point in view I am now finding some vegans holding to a dogmatic, and virtually religious concept of what it means to be vegan. Open honest discussions with such folks can be frustrating, if not impossible.
I have been vegetarian / near vegan or ethically vegan since 1980. In that time I've accumulated a good deal of experience and some understanding of what it means to live this lifestyle. This experience allows me to better appreciate your work in perhaps a different way than others might.
Further to that point I live in a home with 5 others who are non-vegan. These range in age from 15 through 65. In other words, each day I am confronted with walking my talk.
I am then something of an expert in the direct application of tolerance and compassion. Which returns me to the application of certain spiritual principles which I often find lacking in the vegan community as a whole.
Congratulations on your good work, you have might support.
Marvin Double Am I wrong in thinking that (based on what I have read/learned thus far) humans were only able to evolve the way we did though through our historical biological habit of meat consumption? The influence of animal protein on the brain, increasing it in size, complexity etc. I am vegan but I think it is generally considered that our species would have never made it to our current state of evolution without carnivorism. I think biologically we have passed that state however, just like we passed the evolutionary state of having to use crude stone tools etc. we now consider incest a crime (whereas a few hundred years ago this was normal biologically/evolutionary). Genuine question(s). I have not done detailed reading/research on this.
Pat H I did a bit of research on this subject a while back and what I found was that meat consumption likely did help us evolve though not because of animal protein but the caloric density of meat which left humans with spare energy and so allowed the human body to develop the brain (if I remember everything correctly)
Pat H We vegans will argue that humans are principally herbivores. Indeed everything about human anatomy, specifically our digestive system strongly supports this theory. There is a ton of evidence to support this view, from short flat grinding, teeth and sliding jaws, to long digestive tracts best suited to extracting nutrition from plants.
I think however to be accurate we really should be classified as omnivores. It is my contention that our early ancestors ate pretty much anything they could grasp or catch and get into their mouth. This would likely have included insects, or every variety, including their larvae. We could do this because we have functional oppositional thumbs and very flexible digits.
In point of fact in a variety of countries around the world insects are eaten routinely as part of normal diets. This is likely only a reflection of an older and much more traditional way of eating. Many insects have a protein content which is higher than beef, are obviously easier to catch and are abundant.
In a variable, seasonal terrain primary food sources may have been highly varied, causing primitive ancestors to seek out any and all food sources. It is important to note that we are taking about a very long evolutionary time scale, and an evolutionary process across thousands of generations. I should also note that our primary food sources were undoubtedly plants.
Small groups of early humans likely roamed across the terrain moving with the seasons taking advantage of local fruit and other plant materials as they ripened. Hunting, settlements and raising animals as part of agriculture is a very recent development on the over all time line I am suggesting here. The forces which set the biological blueprint for the human species would stretch back to the very earliest members of our species.
The fact that humans can actually digest meat is likely a direct result of consuming bugs during part of the history. I reason that this must be true be cause we lack the characteristics of a true carnivore, namely fangs, claws and short smooth digestive tract. Compared to true predators humans were more likely prey.
Given our dexterous, grasping hands and colour vision we may well have been more resourceful at finding food than other species. We may have gotten additional protein from eating nuts, seeds as well as things like mussels, clams other other aquatic life forms found in tide pools or fresh water lakes and streams.
The argument that we simply started "eating meat" as an explanation for brain development does not account for how we did this. While it is clear that at some point we did begin to hunt, use fire for cooking and eat meat, most theories are rather sketchy on why and how. I propose that my theory fills in the backstory of the process which eventually led to those changes in behaviour.
Fast forward to today, and we are now seeing a new evolution take place as more people become vegan. While eating meat has been part of the human diet for some time, many now recognize that doing so is not ideal for personal health, or the health of the planet. At the same time there is a generalized understanding of our need to become more caring compassionate collectively.
Many have discovered that eating meat is not necessary for human nutrition. We now know something our ancient ancestors did not. When it comes to what we eat, we have a choice.
Emily, your research (as always) is prodigious! Thank you.
Lama-Jigme Gyatso thanks so much :)
speechless...just 💓 to you Emily xo
Amazing to see that it's a part of history and not just a new phenomenon! Thank you so much!!
Damn girl. College level. High Score. You Rock. Thanks. Keep 'em coming!
Uber Virgin Well thank you!
this shud go viral..but so shud all of ur awesome videos!!
I just suscribed and I wanna go vegan , I Am new at this but all makes sense to me, this is an excellent video , creative, outstanding, well explained, just great.
Regards from México and I just watched all your videos and sharing them with my friends and family , also with my girlfriend, its just fantastic
Hi, how is your vegan life going? I'm asking because your comment was posted six years ago. I hope it's going great!
I also think it's great that you're sharing these videos with your friends and family!
From another fellow vegan.
Wow, this video has to be one of your crowning achievements right here! At least so far. Very well done, and I will be sharing many times in the future! Thank you so much for your time in doing this, Emily. :)
Yes, Santana Dharma says that killing animals is greatest sin. But unfortunately in India meat eating has started now. I love vegan food.
Excellent video! I was aware of much of this (having an interest in historical vegetarianism) but not all of it - and you bring all this information together so beautifully.
from a non vegan:
very interesting. thank you!
marga d yeah lots of people just use God and the Bible as an excuse or as a way to be forgiven
Wow !!! Amazing job on this video !!! Thank you for taking the time to make this. Sign me up for the bite size vegan army !!
The Mahayana Sutras clearly state that a Bodhisattva should not eat the flesh of sentient beings because in countless past lives all sentient beings have been one's Mother. How could one aspire to awaken Bodhicitta while devouring the flesh of another. Its the ultimate expression of greed and selfishness.
FistsOfFructose Vegan Very true. Thank you for this
Sure :) Thank you too!
Great information, very interesting.
Excellent work, impressive evidence to counter the cruel lies put out by today's dominionists of both the religious and science worshipping types; thank you so much.
***** So glad that this is helpful! I love giving people information they need to defend their position :)
I'm soooooo glad to discover that Seneca was a Vego....
"Ignis aurum probat; miseria fortes viros". great quote, great guy.
Thankyou Emily for all your hard work.
Does anyone know a more accurate translation of the Srimad Bhagavatam 1.10.6 quote?
The reference to Satan in that english translation clearly reflects western bias and revisionism. Unfortunately we don't have many different translations of Hindu texts so this translation is the only one I can find. I'm just curious what the name was of the being or concept it actually mentioned in the original text.
Saladin1187 Thanks for pointing that. Satan is not part of the Hindu cosmology so probably was an interpretation of western origin. Likely a Christian or Muslim interpretation of the evil being mentioned in the original quote. Maybe the translator thought Satan fitted the description better. I am curious too about it.
+guaycura Hinduism has "devas" = gods, and "asura" or "rakshasa" which mean demons. this is the translation of 1.10.6 prabhupadabooks.com/sb/1/10/6 hope this helps.
+axamsa there is no text in Hinduism that talks about a vegan diet tho, hinduism is lacto-vegeterian culture, because milk from cow is very sacred. Exploitation of animals and specially cows is the greatest sin however. Milk should come from protected cows and they should be allowed to live their life peacefully after they stop producing milk.
This is great! Your recent Q&A brought me here. Very eye opening, and great content as always!
You forgot vegetarianism in ancient Egypt! :)
you really outdid yourself with this one ! wow ! can't wait to see more !!!