Throughout the past decade, I have gone throught the process of eating animals and feeling patronized by people saying that maybe I shouldn’t, to being a vegetarian, to being a vegetarian with a strong preference for vegan options whenever possible. While this lifestyle is quite convenient, I am considering to go all the way.

The reason for this being less the numerous rational arguments that can be brought forward, but rather the realization that they are easier to understand and defend without the tiresome activity of justifying behaviour to yourself that you can’t, really.

With every step I took, the wrongness of things I had been taking as ‘just the way it is’ became obvious to be. Suddenly, I was again able to look at an animal and see a being just like myself. I was appalled by the casual cruelty and routine dissociation from it. While I was taking part myself, I just couldn’t. I thought I was seeing clearly and understanding what was happening, but I really wasn’t.

While I firmly believe that people should be allowed to argue for things they don’t personally follow, it is just harder to gain perspective on a problem from inside. (Not to mention the deconstructive outside demand for personal moral integrity when making demands.)

I have found that, in rediscovering my empathy towards animals, my general ability to empathize grew. I became more aware of [my role in] the suffering of factory workers and ecosystems etc.

I am tired of living in cognitive dissonance. It feels good, and empowering, to at least try.

I’d be interested in your takes on my thoughts. Note: English is not my first language.

TL;DR: It is hard to name a problem you are causing.