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Thursday, September 2, 2010

Happy Birthday to a superlative human animal person.....

Thanks to a post by VegBlogger, I just discovered that today, September 2nd, is Donald Watson's birthday.  Not only is it his birthday, 2010 marks his 100th birthday.  If you are looking for a hero, you can do no better than Mr. Watson.  He died at the age of 95......this is the individual that came up with the term VEGAN.  Mr. Watson's definition:
"..the word "veganism" denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment."
He was a carpenter, lived a simple life, avoided the spotlight and was committed enough to non-violence that he was a conscientious objector (while living in England) during WWII.  He introduced the concept of veganism in a newsletter in 1944.

I am not big on the hero thing, but I believe if anyone qualifies for such...it would be Donald Watson.

Thank you (both from me and on behalf of the other animals) Mr. Watson, and Happy Birthday!

4 comments:

Krissa said...

Happy Birthday to Mr. Watson. I'm going to have to google him as I don't really know anything about him other than what you've presented here. And he'd be 100? He was certainly ahead of his time.

veganelder said...

Thanks for commenting Krissa. Yes, from what I have read he was apparently quite a remarkable person. To have taken CO status in England during WWII bespeaks of a strong character.

So I'm Thinking Of Going Vegan said...

Way ahead of his time. And in time, I believe, he'll come to be known as a key figure who helped change the world. :)

Happy Belated Birthday Mr. Watson!

veganelder said...

I think you may be exactly correct, So I'm Thinking of Going Vegan, thanks for commenting