Why I Am a Vegetarian An Address Delivered Before the Chicago Vegetarian Society

Delivered before the Chicago Vegetarian Society in 1895, this thought‑provoking address invites listeners into a spirited examination of why a plant‑based diet matters beyond health or taste. The speaker frames the talk as a modest “projectile” aimed at unsettling long‑held habits, using vivid analogies and historical references to illustrate how humanity’s moral compass often ignores the suffering of the animals we consume.

Throughout the first act, the speaker weaves together philosophy, social critique, and moral appeal, questioning the convenience of meat as a “superfluous luxury” and exposing the contradictions in our treatment of fellow creatures. Listeners are encouraged to view vegetarianism not merely as a personal choice but as a step toward greater solidarity with all life, challenging entrenched instincts and prompting a quiet, yet powerful, re‑evaluation of everyday ethics.