Letters on Vegetarianism (1850)

AUTHOR: Alcott, William Andrus

SUMMARY (Ridvan Askin, edited Deborah Madsen):

In the first letter, Alcott writes that the term “vegetarian” is meant neither to attract people to the cause nor to counteract negative ascriptions like "Grahamite" and "Starvationist." It has been adopted simply because it is already in use “in the Old World” (Alcott explicitly mentions England) and thus fosters “trans-Atlantic” solidarity and, most importantly, because it is an apt descriptor “of our belief.” The belief is that while the human is without doubt “able to derive nourishment from all the kingdoms of Nature – certainly from both the animal and the vegetable – his highest advancement will be best secured when he comes to learn to content himself with a well selected diet, which shall consist exclusively of vegetable food” (1). He makes clear that for adults, “to escape everything which approximates us to the carniverous tribes – even animal products” and hence veganism, constitutes the ideal goal. Both religion and science show that the human “is better adapted to Vegetarianism than flesh-eating” (1).

The second letter then presents the relevant scientific evidence to support his claims. Alcott debunks two seemingly science-based arguments against vegetarianism: that human teeth are better suited to meat-eating and that, analogously, our digestive system is adapted to meat rather than a vegetarian diet, concluding that “the argument from anatomy is in favor of the frugivorous and granivorous character of man” (3).

The third letter then takes up “the philosophical argument in favor of Vegetarianism,” though all the points Alcott subsequently raises are physiological. Alcott dwells extensively on the claim that, all else being equal, vegetarians have better senses, particularly “sight, smell and taste.” Taste in vegetarians, according to Alcott, is superior to that of carnivores because vegetarians “enjoy, in a high degree, meal after meal […] the same simple dish, and without condiments or any other addition” (3). Alcott also maintains that vegetarians have a better appetite, better digestion, the best “respiration and circulation,” the “best skin,” and at least an equally good “locomotive system” as carnivores. They also have “the finest physical frames the world over,” “clearer heads and intellects, as well as greater cheerfulness,” and they suffer less from depression. In fact, they tend to be ill significantly less often compared to flesh-eaters. Alcott then lists a number of further physiological advantages before closing his letter with the suggestion of beneficial moral implications of vegetarianism: “I might speak of the moral tendencies of the physiological advantages which vegetarians possess, and the subject would impart interest to every lover of his race. But I forbear for the present” (3).