Education (1903)

AUTHOR: White, Ellen Gould Harmon

While diet is not the focus of this book White advocates for veganism primarily for religious and moral reasons, and promotes a fully vegan diet.

White's notion of education is both holistic and eminently religious. Education is “the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world, and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come” (13); “true 'higher education' is that imparted by Him with whom 'is wisdom and strength'” (14). Ultimately, the goal of education is to be “brought into communion with the mind of God” (14). All endeavors with respect to the physical, mental, and spiritual faculties serve this goal.

This includes dietary choices; food works to “promote physical, mental, and moral strength” just like the “manna with which He fed” the “Israelites” (38). Proper diet is important to physical health and “high thinking” (202), which is the basis of mental and moral health:

Since the mind and the soul find expression through the body, both mental and spiritual vigor are in great degree dependent upon physical strength and activity; whatever promotes physical health, promotes the development of a strong mind and a well-balanced character. Without health, no one can as distinctly understand or as completely fulfil his obligations to himself, to his fellow-beings, or to his Creator. Therefore the health should be as faithfully guarded as the character. A knowledge of physiology and hygiene should be the basis of all educational effort (195).

Both Temperance and correct choice of food are essential. White condemns “the folly and wickedness of tight-lacing, and every other practise that restricts vital action” (199). With respect to Temperance, White writes: “The youth and children should understand the effect of alcohol, tobacco, and other like poisons, in breaking down the body, beclouding the mind, and sensualizing the soul. It should be made plain that no one who uses these things can long possess the full strength of his physical, mental, or moral faculties” (202). Anything that “weakens the control of the mind over the body” must be avoided (203) including stimulating substances such as “[t]ea and coffee, condiments, confectionery, and pastries” (203).

This leads to White's advocacy of a vegan diet: “Flesh-food also is harmful. Its naturally stimulating effect should be a sufficient argument against its use; and the almost universally diseased condition of animals makes it doubly objectionable. It tends to irritate the nerves and to excite the passions, thus giving the balance of power to the lower propensities” (203). In contrast, “a simple, healthful diet” counteracts “the desire for unnatural stimulants” (203). The “selection,” “proper combination,” and correct amount of food – she warns of “overeating” in particular – are key (204, 205). Generally, “[g]rains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, in proper combination, contain all the elements of nutrition; and when properly prepared, they constitute the diet that best promotes both physical and mental strength” (204-205).