But What's My Motivation?

(Image from hswc.ca)

The reasons we diet are selfish--health, vanity, work and social advantages--but vegetarians have been regarded as a noble exception because of their selfless motivation. The vegetarian diet is much friendlier to the environment, and the killing of animals, while not (yet) immoral, has made some uncomfortable.

It turns out that vegetarians may not be that morally superior. Alcohol apparently reveals their true nature. [bold added]

A new study from the U.K finds that 30 percent of vegetarians crave flesh during wild nights of partying and 40 percent always eat meat while intoxicated. Providing even more insight into the psychology of vegetarians, the survey revealed 69 percent of those who break their diets keep it a secret. After all, they have to keep up their sanctimonious and ascetic reputations.

I don't share the writer's low opinion. While I have met a few vegetarians who are loud and proud of their meatless virtue, most keep quiet about it and certainly don't impose their views on others.

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."-----Matthew 6:16-18