Food Quote by Vesanto Melina
““the most colourful characters of the historical advocates of vegetarianism was George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950). When Shaw decided to eliminate meat from his diet, it was so contrary to his culture that his physician was alarmed. He cautioned the young Shaw that if he continued to insist on this meat-free diet, he would surely die of malnutrition in short order. Shaw replied that he would sooner die than consume a “corpse.” One can appreciate the irony of the situation when, as he approached his eighty-fifth year, Shaw proclaimed: The average age (life expectancy) of a meat eater is 63. I am on the verge of 85 and still work as hard as ever. I have lived quite long enough and I am trying to die; but I simply cannot do it. A single beef steak would finish me; but I cannot bring myself to swallow it. I am oppressed with a dread of living forever. That is the only disadvantage of vegetarianism.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Vegetarianism and Longevity, 2015
Shaw’s extreme commitment to vegetarianism caused social backlash, yet he lived long, highlighting irony in health arguments.
In simple terms: Shaw’s diet was controversial but he lived long.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about diet and health.
Themes
diet
longevity
irony
Mood
thoughtful
ironic
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- health counseling
- dietary choices
- longevity research
Key Concepts
vegetarianism
cultural conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How does culture affect diet choices?
- What truly impacts lifespan?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify health factors.
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