Living our values

[Marian1942]

Dear Vegan friends,

Decades ago, a friend said to me, "Marian, you live by your values, and I admire that." So was she saying she did not live by her own values? What's the point of life if we don't?

 

[Graeme M]

Decades ago, a friend said to me, "Marian, you live by your values, and I admire that." So was she saying she did not live by her own values? What's the point of life if we don't?

I think it's really a backhanded compliment. She is saying that I don't agree with what you're doing (perhaps it doesn't even make sense to her), and she doesn't admire the principle itself. But, she's willing to give you some credit for sticking to your misguided guns.

But she makes a fair point just the same, as you observe. If we don't live by our own values, what's the point? So when people say that vegans aren't making a difference, I often point out that they are at least living their own values. They are doing what they think is right, even when it's hard to do that. Veganism is always worthwhile, if only for that reason.

 

[4silva]

It's hard to know how they meant it--I often come across people who adhere to things I stand for more than I do, and if I were to say that I'd mean it! Like boycotting--I certainly advocate boycotts, but I'm not 100%.
The most important is that we try and do our best, and better. values are far more than veganism