For tens of thousands of years, humans coexisted peaceably and equitably with the other inhabitants of this planet. We used the gifts of nature that were within our reach, generally taking only what was necessary to survive. We left the world intact, much as we found it.

Only in the last few thousand years have humans so exploited the Earth -- ravaged its bounty, unbalanced its cycles, poisoned its terrain, fouled its waters, polluted its air, and impeded the natural evolution of plants, insects, other animals, and ourselves. Perhaps it is a uniquely human trait to overconsume and desecrate our habitat; yet, as history proves, this has not always been our custom. What has made us so cynical, greedy, and hardened to the suffering and widespread disintegration of the natural world?

Somewhere along our journey we lost our way. Humans have become more and more segregated from those with whom we share the planet, making it easier to forget our place in the natural scheme of life. As we gain greater power to manipulate and destroy our environment, we alienate ourselves from it and view those who interfere with our "advancement" as enemies of progress. Despite our vast collection of material goods, nonindigenous Westernized humans have never felt more confused, stressed, violent, and isolated. We have become disenfranchised from the greater community of life, leaving us feeling at war with the natural elements and those who vie with us just to get their fair and rightful portion.

Western civilization focuses on the present and places great value on individual pleasure and enjoyment of the moment. Indigenous cultures more readily embrace a spirit of community and actively recognize that the present must be preserved for tomorrow. When we acknowledge the wisdom with which our ancestors lived, we may find the hope, courage, and guidance to change our current course of destruction.

There is little that separates humans from other sentient beings -- we all feel pain, we all feel joy, we all deeply crave to be alive and to live freely, and we all share this planet together. The water, air, earth, and plants belong to no one except the community of life which connects us all.

If there is anything that differentiates humans from other living beings it may simply be the factor of choice. We have the option to heal or harm, nurture or destroy, respect or rape, protect or kill. The ability to choose does not necessarily elevate the human species, nor should one infer that it is a trait unique to humans. The capacity to choose should perhaps oblige us to be more responsible for our actions toward others. It is our duty to choose wisely, both collectively and individually, if we are ever again to find peace at any level.

Veganism advocates harmony, justice, and empathic living by acknowledging and respecting the interconnectedness of all life. It is an ethical beacon which can illuminate our moral path and steer us back toward reuniting with our global family. Its tenets can teach us how to live at peace with our world by becoming an integral part and defender of it.

This book details the broad principles and ethics that are the guideposts for people who practice a vegan lifestyle. Like many groups, the vegan community consists of men, women, and children of all ages and colors with diverse spiritual perspectives, cultural backgrounds, interests, and educational levels. The information contained herein is drawn from archives, conversations, and interviews with pioneers and participants at the forefront of the vegan movement, extensive research conducted by experts in their respective fields, as well as from my personal experience living as a vegan for over sixteen years and as a vegetarian for over thirty years. It is not intended to be the final word on vegan living, nor do I propose to be a spokesperson for all vegans. The topic of vegan living is complex and vast and destined for continued study by philosophers, ethicists, clergy, politicians, sociologists, educators, health-care practitioners, environmentalists, peace workers, animal advocates, and social activists. It is my sincere hope that by sharing information about veganism we can gain deeper understanding of what it means to be human and humane.