he 19th century vegetarians were still called ‘pythagoreans’. Pythagoras was a vegetarian on moral grounds primarily. He was deeply convinced that the killing of animals for perVegetarianism is defined as the avoidance of food which is obtained by killing animals. Over the years vegetarianism has gained a growing number of followers. In my own native country of The Netherlands the percentage of vegetarians has increased from 1.9% of the total population in 1999 to 4.5% in 2005. What can be so attractive about the vegetarian diet?

Vegetarianism goes back a long way. History’s first famous vegetarian was the Greek statesman, mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras (569-475 BC). He abolished the sacrificing of animals under his rule and was a fervent advocate of meat abstinence throughout his life. He is considered the founder of vegetarianism in Europe and even until the 19th century vegetarians were still called ‘pythagoreans’. Pythagoras was a vegetarian on moral grounds primarily. He was deeply convinced that the killing of animals for pers

ountry of The Netherlands the percentage of vegetarians has increased from 1.9% of the total population in 1999 to 4.5% in 2005. What can be so attractive about the vegetarian diet?

Vegetarianism goes back a long way. History’s first famous vegetarian was the Greek statesman, mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras (569-475 BC). He abolished the sacrificing of animals under his rule and was a fervent advocate of meat abstinence throughout his life. He is considered the founder of vegetarianism in Europe and even until the 19th century vegetarians were still called ‘pythagoreans’. Pythagoras was a vegetarian on moral grounds primarily. He was deeply convinced that the killing of animals for per

iet?

Vegetarianism goes back a long way. History’s first famous vegetarian was the Greek statesman, mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras (569-475 BC). He abolished the sacrificing of animals under his rule and was a fervent advocate of meat abstinence throughout his life. He is considered the founder of vegetarianism in Europe and even until the 19th century vegetarians were still called ‘pythagoreans’. Pythagoras was a vegetarian on moral grounds primarily. He was deeply convinced that the killing of animals for per

sacrificing of animals under his rule and was a fervent advocate of meat abstinence throughout his life. He is considered the founder of vegetarianism in Europe and even until the 19th century vegetarians were still called ‘pythagoreans’. Pythagoras was a vegetarian on moral grounds primarily. He was deeply convinced that the killing of animals for perhe 19th century vegetarians were still called ‘pythagoreans’. Pythagoras was a vegetarian on moral grounds primarily. He was deeply convinced that the killing of animals for personal consumption was an act of dire barbarism, leading to man’s moral and spiritual decline.

"As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower beings, he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love". Pythagoras

In India Ghandi echoed Pythagoras’ beliefs in his passionate claim that “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Recently this utterance became the inspiration behind a new political party for animal rights in The Netherlands, who at the recent elections in November 2006 earne