The point is pursing what you believe is right; the point is knowing that what you're doing is right, and being comfortable with your life.
The point is not regretting everything because you didn't pursue what makes you burn in all the right ways, regardless of how anyone else thinks you should live your life.
Everyone makes a difference, no matter how slight.
If people gave up in giving African Americans and women rights like you are here the world would be a lot different. It takes time, patience, and hard work to make changes like this.
Absolutely. Many activists over centuries never saw the outcome of their hard work. They gave of themselves without selfishness and I am so grateful to so many of them.
Patience and perseverance are two of the most powerful tools of those who wish to bring about social change.
Just some personal thoughtsdeliriantdreamsJanuary 23 2009, 21:00:46 UTC
Agreed. :)
To the OP:
Personally I think it's easier to "burn-out" if your focus is on the outward effect or outcome of your behaviour, rather than on your initial inspiration or personal reasons for living the lifestyle/supporting the causes that you do. But if your motivation comes from personal passion, it's easier to maintain a positive outlook. I'm vegan because I believe it's the right way to live, and I love being vegan, and that gives me energy. If I only focused on the (very tiny, in the general scheme of things) effect of my lifestyle on the rest of the world, I think I would just become overwhelmed and depressed. I wouldn't stop being vegan, because after all it's what I believe in and want to support and I don't only live this way for the sake of changing the world... but I wouldn't have the same passion or quality of life
( ... )
Rationality does work. Eventually, and sometimes, but it does work. And maybe not if you pick fights with people. Just live your life the way you think and should be lived, fairly quietly and confidently, and others may be inspired.
Also, note that the government never legislates morality or social justice unless people make a fuss. I can't think of a single example in which the government (at least in the US) took the lead and passed legislation regarding some social justice issue which didn't lead directly to increased government/big business profits before a lot of citizens made a lot of noise about it. Can you?
Also, the number of animals harmed/not harmed by everyone's choices isn't really the issue here. There isn't much you do about that. But what about the ones you do or don't harm, individually? I think that they matter. Don't you?
So please, keep going, and keep being the person you thought you were before you watched this movie.
Also, the number of animals harmed/not harmed by everyone's choices isn't really the issue here. There isn't much you do about that. But what about the ones you do or don't harm, individually? I think that they matter. Don't you?
I understand you're frustrated and I hope people don't give you shit for it. We've all felt like giving up sometimes.
However, little people CAN make big changes. Even if, in your lifetime, veganism only goes from being a tiny minority to a more known minority...that's progress. That means more people will know what veganism is. That means more companies and restaurants might offer at least one vegan option. That, in turn, might make more people go vegan because it's more convenient. I know it's not about convenience, it's about the cause - but fact is, convenience is what the majority goes for.
It doesn't matter the difference my veganism has on other PEOPLE. Fuck people. I'm doing this for the animals. I'm living my life in a way that ensures I can sleep at night and I feel good about it. It doesn't matter that nobody "wants the truth." In the end, I only have to be accountable for myself and how I live my life.
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The point is not regretting everything because you didn't pursue what makes you burn in all the right ways, regardless of how anyone else thinks you should live your life.
Everyone makes a difference, no matter how slight.
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Patience and perseverance are two of the most powerful tools of those who wish to bring about social change.
Reply
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To the OP:
Personally I think it's easier to "burn-out" if your focus is on the outward effect or outcome of your behaviour, rather than on your initial inspiration or personal reasons for living the lifestyle/supporting the causes that you do. But if your motivation comes from personal passion, it's easier to maintain a positive outlook. I'm vegan because I believe it's the right way to live, and I love being vegan, and that gives me energy. If I only focused on the (very tiny, in the general scheme of things) effect of my lifestyle on the rest of the world, I think I would just become overwhelmed and depressed. I wouldn't stop being vegan, because after all it's what I believe in and want to support and I don't only live this way for the sake of changing the world... but I wouldn't have the same passion or quality of life ( ... )
Reply
Also, note that the government never legislates morality or social justice unless people make a fuss. I can't think of a single example in which the government (at least in the US) took the lead and passed legislation regarding some social justice issue which didn't lead directly to increased government/big business profits before a lot of citizens made a lot of noise about it. Can you?
Also, the number of animals harmed/not harmed by everyone's choices isn't really the issue here. There isn't much you do about that. But what about the ones you do or don't harm, individually? I think that they matter. Don't you?
So please, keep going, and keep being the person you thought you were before you watched this movie.
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lol, to be honest, that would be a lot like the person I am now. This movie just kind of... solidified the feeling.
I'm still a vegan. I'll never go back to being an ignorant omnivore.
I just have no hope that the rest of the world is going to change.
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That is exactly how I feel. :)
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However, little people CAN make big changes. Even if, in your lifetime, veganism only goes from being a tiny minority to a more known minority...that's progress. That means more people will know what veganism is. That means more companies and restaurants might offer at least one vegan option. That, in turn, might make more people go vegan because it's more convenient. I know it's not about convenience, it's about the cause - but fact is, convenience is what the majority goes for.
Little changes add up. Don't lose hope.
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