I definitely think moderated meat consumption in general = healthier.
I also think that mass slaughter/industrial farming is disgusting and immoral.
I also notice that many vegans (not you), as an aside, are really difficult-to-like, preachy individuals (assholes! :)) Not you, as I said, and I really appreciate this post.
I was vegan for awhile, and veggie for about two years before that.
I think there are both some compelling arguments for humans functioning as omnivores and also for the sentience of plants.
http://goodnature.nathab.com/research-shows-plants-are-sentient-will-we-act-accordingly/
I know these types of sentience could be argued to be different, but so could the qualities of sentience possessed by a human and a pig, respectively.
I think it comes down to compassion, as you said, and doing as little harm as possible. I had to kill a giant hornet the other day at my house. I felt sorry for it, honestly. But I could not let it live in my house where it will put my family in danger. It seems that life involves unpleasant instances like this, and there is not much we can do about it, but respect all life forms as much as possible.
I definitely think plant consumption is still more compassionate to sentient life that more closely mirrors human sentience, but again, plants do have their own sentience. It ould be that an alien race of superior sentience would view our sentience as very "rudimentary"...like a plant.
Biologically, humans have an evolutionary drive for fats, salt, and sugars, if I am not mistaken. Not saying that makes mass slaughter okay, but it is just part of the biology of humans.
Lots to think about here.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I agree but I would clarify, they are clumsy about their preachiness rather than being annoying due to their preachiness.
We wouldn't say anti-slavery people are so annoying for being preachy about their convictions, some of them are so preachy that sometimes they'll even take arms to defend what they are preaching about. Being preachy when it is a good cause and done the right way is commendable.
As you highlighted maybe plants have sentience but none of us would feel as concern for the possible suffering of someone under anesthesia compare to someone who isn't.
I hear you, I just wonder how we know they don’t feel pain in their own way? They are highly intelligent in their own way, and even seem to “play,” etc. The TED talk linked to in the article I hyperlinked is pretty interesting. People used to claim fish couldn’t feel things, either. But I agree with you mostly, because...it just makes sense that they would not experience “suffering” in the same way animals do.
Regarding the preachiness, I don’t know man. Some are actually just assholes. I’ve heard more than one suggest that humans who eat meat should be put to death and this is a bit much for me.
I personally avoid even killing insects, but yes, I do eat meat. I am cutting down though, however, as I have worked on an industrial animal farm (doing construction) and saw the brutality and lack of respect for life firsthand. I am in agreeance 100% there. It was a horrible two months on that job.
It’s cool to know you are vegan. I think it is probably the right way to go, or maybe veggie with minimal things like fish and eggs included. I’ve always leaned that way more than an all out “meathead” type diet. It’s better all-around.
Anyhow, thanks for the response, and have a great day!