Vegetarianism Scientific And Spiritual Basis

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

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The long list of illustrious vegetarians also includes some most prominent names such as Albert Schweitzer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, George Bernard Shaw3, Bertrand Russel1 and Count Leo Tolstoy5. In fact, there is a very interesting story about Tolstoy. A non-vegetarian lady who was invited by him to dinner had stipulated that meat must be served. As he escorted her to the dinner table, she found a live chicken tied to her chair. When asked the meaning of this, the great man replied: "My conscience forbids me to kill it; as you are the only guest taking meat, I would be greatly obliged if you would undertake the killing first." It is reported that the meal served in the end was strictly vegetarian!
Count Leo Tolstoy
The endless list of the well-known present day personalities who are vegetarians include Amitabh Bacchan, India's most popular Film Star who besides being a staunch vegetarian is also a strong supporter of the movement for vegetarianism. Sir Paul Mc Cartney, Bryan Adams, Pamela Anderson and well-known Indian actresses, Juhi Chawla and Hema Malini, are few of the other well-known personalities who are vegetarians. Among some of the other most prominent Indians who were vegetarians are Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, who succeeded him and the popular former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Ex-President, Dr. Abdul Kalam. Among the staunchest promoters of Vegetarianism as a part of its animal welfare activities is Maneka Gandhi, the daughter-in-law of late Smt. Indira Gandhi.
1 Well-known German theologian, philosopher and musician. Recipient of Noble Peace Prize in 1953 for his humanitarian work in Africa.
2 Eminent American poet and philosopher (1803-1882)
3 One of the most famous journalists and dramatists of 20th century (1856-1950)
4 One of the most well-known philosophers, sociologists and mathematicians of the twentieth century.
5 Russia's most well-known novelist, social reformer and moral philosopher (18281910).
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