In spite of the fact that a notable portion of the world's rapidly increasing population does not eat meat, it has been said recently that it is no longer possible to be a vegetarian. Today, so the argument goes, a diet of vegetables lacks so much of nutritive value, owing to mechanized agricultural methods, artificial fertilizers and lengthy delays in marketing, that a healthy person cannot possibly be sustained on such food. For survival, salvation lies in a diet of meat. Although the animals, too, derive their nourishment from plants, fortunately the herbivores, so this dubious reasoning continues, are still able to benefit where humans fail. They still possess the capacity to extract nourishment where nourishment for men no longer exists. Thus, the would-be vegetarian, whether he likes it or not, is left with no alternative but to become a carnivore if he wishes to survive.
It is in contrast to this approach that Dr. Steiner speaks in this pamphlet. He makes no special claim for one diet at the expense of another. It is not enough to be a vegetarian for “righteous” reasons, nor is meat to be condoned for its own sake. Although it is no doubt less damaging to eat meat than to abstain and yet yearn for it, we are told that vegetarianism can be a more practical diet for those engaged in intellectual and spiritual work. This is so, however, only when it comes about in the right way as the following anecdote shows.
Dr. Steiner once told of a medical doctor, a vegetarian, who was asked by one of his patient's whether he should give up meat for a diet of vegetables.
“But you do not eat cats and dogs,” observed the doctor.
Margot Gobetti opnion about Anthoposophy and Nutrition :
Anthroposophy is not made
of dogmas, but a deep understanding of human beings and their individuality. The food has therapeutic power that can be used in diets specific for certain diseases. The food, especially in children can be a useful tool to
balance their constitucional tendencies. Vegetarian diets can have great healing power to to some people , but may be contraindicated for others. We must respect the choices of each one and their individuality.
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