I stumbled across two quotations that are well worth sharing. The first is sort of zany and almost zen-like in the simplicity and profundity offered by it.
“I look crazy but I’m not. And the funny thing is that other people don’t look crazy but they are.” – eden abhez
What I especially like about this quote is that anyone opting for ethical veganism can appreciate the thought...since it applies not only to appearance but to ways of living and of seeing the world. Most who are vegan have likely been accused of being "crazy" or "weird" or "extremist" by people who are routinely living in ways that support and advocate for unprovoked violence and destruction. Who's disconnected (or "crazy")?
If you ever wondered about the cultural roots of the hippy movement, here ya go. George Alexander Aberle, known as eden ahbez (15 April 1908 – 4 March 1995), was an American songwriter and recording artist of the 1940s to 1960s, whose lifestyle in California was influential on the hippie movement. He was known to friends simply as ahbe. The blog tells us: "He slept outdoors with his family and ate vegetables, fruits, and nuts."
This second quote came from Ladan V. Cheybani, a woman I sometimes see posts from on Facebook. It is exquisite both in poignancy and accuracy.
"Everyday I must struggle to explain to someone why vegan is the answer to a world gone dark. It is so sad, that I must even defend love and compassion. When I went vegan, I thought I found the biggest treasure, I thought I would share with everyone and everyone would be happy to change. I never thought I would have to beg people to be loving and compassionate..... I never thought that...".
From her quote I can see that she had much the same reaction from others to her discovery of the excellence of veganism as I did (as have many). Her expression: "...I thought I found the biggest treasure, I thought I would share with everyone and everyone would be happy to change." ...says exactly my first take on living vegan. I was (and still am), just as she was, staggered and shocked and saddened at the reactions from most others. But not all, some few embraced that gift...and there's where the hope lies...some eagerly embrace avoiding harm to others.
The majority do not though...and her lovely statement beautifully summarizes that sadness. There's much work to be done...and if you're living vegan...you're not alone...others do recognize and embrace that 'biggest treasure'....and many more will.
Friday, August 15, 2014
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8 comments:
These are wonderful quotes, glad you found and shared them! Not only had I never heard either of them (and oh yes, both of them are profoundly relatable to we ethical vegans!!), but I had never heard of George Aberle/eden ahbez/ahbe before, nor his influence on the hippie movement. Thanks for that nugget of knowledge! And though I tried to find Ladan Cheydani on Twitter, FB and Pinterest, I had little luck. I found references to her, but the link too me to a "not available" FB page (perhaps because I'm not on FB), and I was surprised I wasn't able to find any quotes from her on Pinterest using her name in a search. I love her quote - so painfully true!! I'll create a pin of that quote if I have to, it needs to be shared. And in addition to the great quotes, your own writing is always eloquent and inspiring. Thank you for this illuminating post!
Oh wow, I just learned that eden ahbez wrote "Nature Boy!" That's always been a favorite song of mine! So hauntingly beautiful.
Thank you for commenting Laloofah. I'm happy that you found some delight in learning more about the roots of the hippy movement...I was also moved to big smiles when I ran across the info. As for Ms. Cheydani, she only writes on her fb account (insofar as I know) and yes you would have to have an account to see her page. I messaged her prior to using the quote and obtained her permission. It's such a lovely passage.
I had no memory of the song "Nature Boy!"...I'm glad it was a happy find for you.
It's gratifying that I was able to return some pleasure to you since your photos and writing are a great source of succor for me. Thanks for them.
It's a crazy-making world alright. When I read the first sentence of the second quote, "Everyday I must struggle to explain to someone why vegan is the answer to a world gone dark." what popped into my head right away was, but most people don't even think it's gone dark! And that's what I find frustrating as well -- having to explain what's wrong when so many feel things are perfectly okay.
What an interesting and enjoyable article. I loved the quotes. Interesting to learn the origins of the hippy movement. Just because most people do something, such as adopt an omnivorous diet without question, doesn't make it right simply because they are in the majority, nor does it make those who wish to adopt a more ethical diet wired strange eccentric or whatever because they are in the minority. However sadly in this world comprised mostly of non-thinkers anyone who is different is seen as odd or eccentric. I have to say though that in my own experience most people view the “oddity” of veganism in a good way even if they themselves have no intention of personally considering a vegan lifestyle.
Indeed it is good to know that we are not alone in our endeavours whether or not such are considered extreme or bizarre. Frankly I don’t mind being thought of as a little odd. I hope in time more people will embrace veganism
Yes, for me too I've shed tears of disappointment in learning the myths of "humanity". There seems to be no imperative to do right and able. But rather a slothful surrender to harm and greed. Not only were we unkind... But foolish (stupid) too. Here's this gem that solves so many problems at one time. Top of the list is to minimize damage to others. We get healthier and so does the planet. What's not to like? And yet... The resistance to it is incomprehensible. It's disheartening that we are so cruel (and dumb) and don't even care. It infuriated me to know how corrupted and fake my fellow man could be. Oh well - Good reason to grow thick skin. And to seek out and hold on to the positive aspects about veganism. So glad it's not hopeless yet to turn the whole wrong of it around...
I am a 60's child. Turning 60 soon as well... I've been thinking a lot about being a hippy, then and now. I find it true more so being a vegan, that love really is the greatest thing. We flower children should have dug deeper looking for where peace and fairness reside. I'm glad we of all generations are getting a second chance finding it.
Thanks for the great quotes and lots to think about! ;)
Thank you for commenting Christine. I'm with you, being a little odd is probably a very good thing.
Thank you for commenting Bea. "should have dug deeper..." precisely so. I suspect this "second chance" will be the last one. If we don't find and hold onto it now there might not be another shot.
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