George Guimarães

March 2009

Never before has the topic of vegetarianism was much debated, conquering new spaces at every moment. The month of February 2009 was highlighted by the declaration of a wide-ranging commentator who spoke, no strings attached, on the subject of the environmental impact of livestock cutting. That same month, seen to enter the Federal Senate bill that proposes the inclusion of information about the presence of animal ingredients in food packaging, specifically citing the text the word "vegan". I personally granted close to a dozen radio interviews, TV and print media. Many other articles and interviews were published in consultation with national and international sources.

What has changed in recent years it has become possible to leverage exposure in defense of vegetarianism? Was the public interest in the topic or was the increase in the number of activists posed to disclose the facts about farming and the benefits of adhering to a vegetarian diet? Have also been increasing in the supply of products in shops and restaurants or simply impossible to ignore the impact of a diet centered on meat as the facts themselves wide open in front of the eyes of the world population? Last, has been the increase in the amount of scientific data that support our defense and give more strength to our arguments exposure?

I believe it is a combination of all these factors, which summarizes the increase and strengthening of information that support our argument and increasing commitment to bring them to public knowledge. But there is one factor that exponentially increases our strength in the spread of vegetarianism and so overrules all other. This factor is the conviction with which we treat the subject.

Vegetarianism is a practical science. There is just something about what we say, but it is also something that we practice. For a good defense of an argument, conviction to defend it can be a factor of greater importance than the argument itself. What to expect then an argument, besides having a rationale scientifically proven, can also be defended with conviction? The right result is a successful defense. Because this is what we, defenders of arguments in favor of vegetarianism, whether we are professionals or lay, so enjoy the good results that have been obtained: good arguments are not lacking and, because it is an option that involves practical experience, Also we enjoy the benefit that we can speak with the force of example and, consequently, imbued with conviction.

I'm not suggesting we discard the scientific evidence, because these are also the same in our favor and the study of these contribute to form our belief. I'm just pointing out that whenever we put to argue about vegetarianism, we consciously evoke our belief.

This is important because when, as we seek to base our argument, turn to studies and statistics, we are not always talking about something practical, mas sim hypotheses and probabilities. But the fact is that these studies and statistics simply seek to explain the mechanisms that make manifest what we experience in practice. Although it can be useful, a study that investigates how a vegan diet can reduce cholesterol, eg, can also provide some results that are inconclusive or subject to varying interpretations. But this study was only raised because before it was observed a pattern of cholesterol reduction among vegans. The study seeks to explain just why this is happening. Therefore, when we use our conviction in defense of our argument, circumstantially can be devoid of explanation of the manner in which the mechanism is manifested, yet we may be convinced of our defense and it certainly will be noticeable to the caller. Obviously, here it is the responsibility of each to be constantly updating the sources that feed his conviction, assessing and reassessing not to run the risk of making a wrong use of that force.

My goal in emphasizing the importance of belief that must accompany the information is just pointing out that, In most cases, is our practical experience (and the certainty that comes with it) which will transpires the caller. The arguments formed from the qualified information only add to this posture. Therefore, work and value your safety and your posture as much value your arguments. Do this through study and experience and increase the force with which you are able to convey your message.

Moreover, if you're not working to convey the message that you perceive to be important and true, that same message that at some point I awoke to a new truth and that can also be valuable to many others, what are you waiting? The present and the future of our civilization, the daily violation of the rights of millions of animal lives and the very survival of the planet can not wait. Especially, truth clamada the true concept of justice can not tolerate any procrastination. Of that I am convinced.