While the thought of trying to make the world go vegan can be as daunting as trying to imagine world peace (although as veganelder pointed out in my last post, the term "human society" is usually more accurate than world), it can be more manageable when broken down into bits. And while there's no magic formula or easy 7-step process (this world would have become vegan already if there were), we too quickly forget about the power of one. Because the power of one multiplied exponentially can bring about change in ways we can't even possibly foresee. Who would have thought, for example, that a lone image of a deceased boy on a beach could be such a rallying point in the current refugee crisis?
What does the power of one look like? It can be:
- one pamphlet or book that finally opens someone's eyes
- one video or documentary that really hits home
- one blog post that inspires
- one image that galvanizes collective outrage
- one muffin or meal that makes someone realize animal parts aren't needed
- one day powerful enough to scare the ag industry silly e.g. Meatless Monday
- one consumer product popular enough to cause lawsuits e.g. Just Mayo
- one mentor or role model
- one animal's world that has completely changed by being rescued
- one animal celebrity -- need I mention Esther? ;)
- one sanctuary
- one step in the right direction
- One Step for Animals
- one reason to either go or stay vegan
- one task
- one role
- one idea
- one thing
- one change
- one person
What can YOU do? That's up to you. There's lots of choice and enough to do, so pick what suits you. Pick what you love or what you're good at (often the same thing), because sticking to something and being able to do it over the long haul helps everyone. Keep in mind also that one thing isn't the same as a scattered or frantic do something, do anything approach, but a strategic focus that when multiplied can have real results. Reread pattrice jones' inspiring blog post Effective Activism, peruse 100 Ways to Change the World for Animals Part 1 and Part 2 from OHH, and:
Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive. And go do that. Because the world needs people who've come alive. -- Howard Thurman, American theologian and civil rights leader
Finally, remember that if nothing else, act as if what you do can make a difference, because it CAN and it DOES.
The Edward Hale quote is my favorite quote of all quotes! And I learned it on your site years ago. :)
Any time one of us human people gives another being the chance to have their voice heard, their face seen, their emotions become real and tangible...it makes a difference. And as you know, someone like Esther really can make a difference. Because of her, her guardian-dads became vegan....and now look at how many lives she's touched. So yep, one can make a difference and thanks to you and others who blog, are activists in any way...the voices of our non-human friends get heard. One at a time...
Nice post! :) Hope things are going ok lately.
I actually like the one you've had on your site the whole time and it's also the one I've seen referenced in other places. But the one in this post is just as "good" (not sure that's the right word) and although means the same thing, seems more toned down (again, not sure that's the right phrase). But yep, this is my very favorite quote. It's actually more a philosophy than a quote, eh? And a darn good one! :)
thank you have gone vegan... a great post, especially for those of us suffering 'fatigue', not coping and feeling as though all is hopeless...
Your post brought to mind a book by Anne Lamont titled "Bird by Bird". The title came from her father's advice to her brother about writing a report on birds wherein he told him to do it "bird by bird". (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12543.Bird_by_Bird)
The power of one...great post. Thank you.
p.s.: The last two items on the list have intrigued me for years...it's always seemed to me that if each person who is vegan managed to help transition just one other person (and that person did the same) then vegans would be all over the place fairly quickly. I wonder.
Hi Friend,
Ah yes, the power of one. I am vegan because of my daughter who is vegan, my grandchildren are being raised vegan,my husband is now vegan and I like to think that my website helps to clarify for those who are vegan, what it means to be so and for those who aren't what a gift to all beings veganism is. Every time anyone of us goes out there in human society and requests a plant based meal, we are participating planting seeds and participating in harm reduction. Every time one of us tells sales people that we do not use any product that came from the a once living being,we are spreading the word. Every time we participate in a vigil, a demonstration a march, we are challenging non vegans to review their ethics.
I have to believe what we do make a difference. I don't know how to do otherwise. The truth is, the more I write and the more I advocate, the more I understand what else I can do effectively to advocate for all species who need our help.
Thank you for an illuminating and encouraging article.
Take care,
Anne