“The man who has virtue is sufficient for himself.” – Marcus Aurelius
Let’s talk about meat and manhood.
If I had a dollar for every bloke who’s told me “real men eat meat,” I could retire on a vegan burger empire.
It’s a tired line.
But it sticks because it’s been baked into culture, advertising, and backyard BBQ banter for decades.
Meat equals strength.
Meat equals dominance.
Meat equals masculinity.
That’s the myth.
And it’s time we killed it — with a sharp edge of truth.
You Don’t Need Meat to Be Strong
Strength isn’t in the steak — it’s in the stance.
The strongest men I know aren’t those who follow the crowd, but those who question it.
True masculinity isn’t about doing what you’re told.
It’s about living by your code — even when it makes you the odd one out at the grill.
Ask yourself:
- Is it manly to outsource your courage to a culture of convenience?
- Is it strong to ignore exploitation because it’s socially acceptable?
- Or is strength standing up — quietly, consistently — for what you know is right?
I’ll take quiet integrity over loud ignorance any day.
The Stoic Warrior Ate Beans
Ancient Stoics didn’t have protein powders and T-bones.
They lived on lentils, figs, bread, and wine.
They trained their minds and bodies to withstand hardship — not to indulge every appetite.
They didn’t seek approval.
They sought virtue.
They didn’t flex.
They stood firm.
Modern manhood needs less muscle worship and more moral clarity.
We’ve confused biceps for backbone.
Your Choices Are Your Legacy
When your mates tease you for skipping the sausages — smile.
When someone says, “That’s not manly,” ask, “Who decided that?”
Being vegan isn’t unmanly.
Being cruel, careless, or cowardly — that’s what weakens you.
Masculinity isn’t about meat.
It’s about mastery.
Mastery over ego.
Mastery over impulse.
Mastery over the need to be validated by the crowd.
If being a man means living by outdated myths that hide harm behind humour, I’ll pass.
I’ll stick with values that don’t change with trends.
I’ll lead with compassion, not consumption.
And I’ll keep being a man who gives a damn.
Photo by Min An
Cameron Blewett is a writer, and ethical vegan who isn’t afraid to question the status quo.
From food safety to philosophy, he brings practical experience and clear thinking to complex issues.
He also writes at:
- FoodSafety.ist – Straight-talking food safety news and insight
- MillPark.blog – News and views from Mill Park, VIC
- TacticalVegan.blog – Promoting practical skills and ethical living
- VeganStoic.com – Where Stoicism meets plant-based living
Follow Cameron’s work for a grounded, common-sense approach to living ethically in a chaotic world.