Donald Watson

Donald Watson ( born September 2, 1910 in South Yorkshire, † November 16, 2005 in Cumbria ) was founder of the Vegan Society and inventor of the word "vegan".

His interest in veganism began already when he was very young. He was often on the farm of his uncle to visit. This he described as follows:

"I was surrounded by interesting animals. They gave ' all something: A horse pulled the plow, another pulled the buggy, the cows gave milk, the hens gave eggs and the rooster was a useful alarm system - at that time I had not yet realized that he also still a other function held. The sheep gave wool. I could never understand what the pigs hergaben, but they were so friendly creatures -. Always glad to see me "

For what purpose were the pigs, he realized as he saw how one was slain - what changed his life radically. At the age of fourteen he became a vegetarian. He had decided spontaneously to the New Year. In the forties he became a vegan, after he had made ​​himself acquainted with on the production of milk.

In 1944 he founded, together with a few friends the Vegan Society. One of them mentioned a word that should describe their diet. However, Watson suggested the term "vegan" before by the first three and the last two letters of the English word "vegetarian ": used (Eng. vegetarian). This should illustrate to vegetarianism the beginning and the end with respect. This expression continued within the Community through eventually.

Curriculum vitae

Watson grew up as the son of a headmaster and was raised in a mining company from Mexborough in South Yorkshire. In its immediate vicinity vegetarianism and veganism were unknown. However, encouraged and supported his parents put him and his two siblings to go to a separate way in life. Its liberal stance allowed him to develop ideas to meet the challenges posed and sparked controversy. He also rejected any use of alcohol, cigarettes, or other addictive substances strictly. As a convinced pacifist, he was particularly exposed during the Second World War, fierce hostility.