Top 12 Perspectives on Vegetarianism by World Renowned Figures

Léon Tolstoy, a renowned Russian literary figure, adopted a vegetarian lifestyle in 1885. He consistently opposed hunting by certain aristocratic classes, advocating for non-violence, respect for all life forms, and vegetarianism. In his essay 'The First Step,' Léon Tolstoy argued that meat-eaters are morally degenerate and 'commit the sin of slaughter.' He further stated: 'The act of slaughter turns those who originally had noble souls, who had compassion for all beings as for themselves, into brutal beings.'

Mahatma Gandhi - the national hero of India, revered by all humanity. Although he consumed meat in his youth, Mahatma Gandhi became a strict vegetarian in adulthood. He once made a profoundly humane statement: 'The greatness and moral progress of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated'.

The Italian painter and sculptor believed that vegetarianism is the morality of humanity. Adopting a vegetarian diet will avoid the sins of killing. He emphasized: 'There will come a day when we all look at animal slaughterers with the same gaze reserved for murderers.'

Albert Einstein, the renowned scientist of the 20th century, was also a staunch vegetarian. He always advocated for peace, respect for all life forms, and once stated: 'Nothing benefits human health and increases the chances of long life on this planet more than a vegetarian diet'.

Thomas Edison, the renowned American inventor and scientist, believed that non-violence is the cornerstone of morality, the purpose of development. Humanity remains barbaric until it ceases to harm other living beings. According to him, vegetarianism deeply influences our mind, behavior, health, and physical strength. If we do not immediately cease killing, we are still considered barbarians.

The composer Richard Wagner strongly believed in the inviolable nature of all life. He stated: 'Vegetarianism is a diet in harmony with the laws of nature, saving humans from sinful thoughts and actions. He also hoped to be reincarnated into eternal peace in the future'.

He was a renowned American scientist and politician who embarked on a vegetarian journey at the age of 16. He believed: 'Vegetarianism fosters mental acuity, sharpens intellect, and leads to progress. Eating meat is seen as an unjustifiable act of murder.' Thus, in one of his autobiographical writings, he criticized meat-eaters as perpetrators of attempted murder.

British-born Irish playwright and commentator, George Bernard Shaw, also adhered to a vegetarian diet. He always reflected that animals are our companions, and we should not eat our companions. He viewed 'The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity.'

Renowned author Isaac Bashivis Singer, Nobel Prize laureate in literature in 1978, embraced vegetarianism in 1962 at the age of 58. He expressed regret for prolonging his consumption of meat for so long but believed it's better late than never to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. Singer saw vegetarianism as harmonious with the spiritual essence of Judaism. He firmly asserted: 'Even if eating meat were beneficial to the body, which I would never accept, the notion that animals are soulless machines without feelings is sheer nonsense, the invention and dogma of demons and heretics.'

Not only known for his role as a member of the world-famous band - The Beatles, Paul McCartney is also the author of The Meat Free Monday Cookbook, advocating for meat-free days. McCartney himself has been a vegetarian for a long time and once famously said: “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian.” According to him, vegetarianism promises a brighter future for all people across our planet.

Bill Clinton, renowned not just as a prominent leader in his role as the 42nd President of the United States but also as a figure among the top famous vegetarians. He remarked: “Since adopting a vegetarian diet, all my blood tests and bodily responses have been positive, and I feel more energetic than ever. Believe it or not, I feel like I’m bursting with energy”.

Steve Jobs, hailed as a technical genius, a great innovator, and a skilled entrepreneur worldwide... Beneath those surface traits, Steve Jobs was a Buddhist, practicing meditation since his youth. Despite owning immense wealth, he lived a simple life, practicing minimalism and following a vegetarian diet. Steve Jobs once declared: “A quiet mind is key to all creativity”. He always advocated for a healthy lifestyle, environmental friendliness, animal protection, and believed: “A vegetarian diet helps cleanse your body of mucus, detoxify your body, and treat cancer”. Hence, he famously gave away numerous containers of carrot juice at Halloween instead of candy.