Vegetarianism Scientific And Spiritual Basis

Author(s): Jashwant B Mehta
Publisher: Jashwant B Mehta

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(d) Views/Opinions of eminent scientists/philosophers/thinkers
Apart from the great philosophers and eminent thinkers of ancient Greek civilization, as mentioned in Chapter I, many other eminent philosophers, thinkers and prominent personalities from almost all the fields belonging to modern times have expressed themselves strongly against the killing of animals for one's diet on ethical ground.
"He will be regarded as a benefactor of his race who shall teach man to confine himself to a more innocent diet. Whatever my own practice may be, I have no doubt that it is a part of the destiny of the human race, in its gradual improvement, to leave off eating animals as surely as the savage tribes have left off eating each other. The faintest assured objection which one healthy man feels will at length prevail over the arguments and customs of mankind..... No human being past the thoughtless age of boyhood will wantonly murder any creature which holds its life the same tenure that he does."
- Henry David Thoreau
"The question is not, "Can they reason?" nor "Can they talk?", but they suffer?"
- Jeremy Bentham
"The time will come when people such as / will look upon the murder of (other) animals as they now look upon the murder of human beings."
- Leonardo da Vinci
"But for the sake of some little mouthful of flesh we deprive a soul of the sun and light, and of that proportion of life and time it had been born into the world to enjoy."
- Plutarcho
One of the most well known American philosophers, poets & naturalists (1817-1862) 2 Well-known English jurist, economist and philosopher (1748-1832). His pursuit of legal reforms made him one of the most influential 19th century thinkers. 3 The legendary Italian painter, sculptor, scientist and inventor (1452-1519). His painting Mona Lisa is perhaps the World's most famous.
Renowned Greek philosopher, biographer and essayist (46 A.D. - 127 A.D.)