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by Ingrid E. Newkirk
President
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
In these violent times, I would like to propose a practical way to remember the teachings of the most effective proponent of nonviolence ever to live — Mohandas Gandhi.
Gandhiji, as he was known, said that a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. He believed that nonviolence begins with what we eat and that our dining tables are "peace tables" as important as the tables around which world leaders sit to discuss their countries conflicts.
Dropping the flesh of animals from our diet probably wouldn't turn us into Gandhi overnight. But understanding why we should consider the needs and wants of others, even "lowly" animals, might begin to sow the seeds of empathy.
Empathy, Gandhi believed, is the most important key to understanding. If you are filled with prejudice toward others, always finding a way to distance yourself from other living beings because of their religion, their caste, their color, or their species, you will be unable to negotiate life effectively, to be happy and to build a better world.
We can all take a gentle first step toward increased empathy by extending our respect to ALL species, not just those who are cute and cuddly. Why not turn your fork into a powerful "weapon" by enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner without the broken bodies of animals on your plate?
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Heather Moore
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