Why I’m Still Vegan (and Still Stoic)

“If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it.”
– Marcus Aurelius

I’ve been vegan long enough to watch trends rise, brands fold, and influencers shift like Melbourne weather.

I’ve seen Beyond Burgers and oat milk lattes come and go — but my reason for staying vegan hasn’t changed.

It’s not about the food. Not really.
It’s about what’s right.

When I first picked up a book on Stoicism (back before you could TikTok a philosophy), I wasn’t looking for a life overhaul. I was just trying to make sense of the world — and my place in it.

What I found in Marcus, Seneca, and Epictetus wasn’t just wisdom; it was a code.

And veganism? Same deal.

Veganism Isn’t a Diet. It’s a Discipline.

We live in a world where people will do anything to avoid discomfort.

We dodge truth like a boxer avoids a jab. But the Stoics taught that comfort isn’t the goal — virtue is.

When I say I’m vegan, I’m not claiming moral superiority. I’m claiming responsibility.

Responsibility for what I fund with my dollars.
Responsibility for what I support with my silence.

Responsibility for who I am when no one’s watching.

Just like Stoicism, veganism is about aligning action with values — even when it’s inconvenient.

Especially when it’s inconvenient.

Principles Over Popularity

Stoicism reminds me to focus only on what I can control. That means:

• I can’t force people to change.
• I can’t make others care.
• But I can choose what I eat, buy, support, and stand for.

Do people roll their eyes when I mention I’m vegan? Sure.

Do I care? No. Because I’m not doing it for them.

The World Doesn’t Need More Noise — It Needs Examples.

So why am I still vegan?

Because animals still are still being used and not given equal consideration.

Because industries still hide behind clever marketing.

Because the world still needs people who don’t just talk values — they live them.

If you’re new to this path — Stoic or vegan — welcome.

You don’t need to be perfect.

You just need to be consistent.

Start with what you control.

Choose integrity over indulgence.

Choose clarity over convenience.

You don’t need to be loud.

You just need to live like it matters.

Because it does.