Sam Harris often talks about this thought experiment that displays a gap in our moral landscape. If you walked by a child that was starving, would you give them food? Now, what if you knew there were thousands of children far away that were starving, would you give them any amount of food? Thousands of children should make us worry more, but it makes us worry less.
It’s really hard to understand the plight of situations, when we are not face to face with it. I always thought it was a good thought experiment, but it didn’t change my behaviors much. I’ve known that the dairy industry is inherently a messed up industry. Impregnating dairy cows every year so they provide milk, and taking away their calves (most often to be killed immediately) isn’t a good situation.
Last November, I adopted a senior dog named Gary. He was supposed to live for 1 more year because of a heart condition. I have always wanted to adopt a senior dog, to give them a nice end to their life, but knew it would be hard. The past year I have been studying philosophy. The stoics and Montaigne say to be comfortable with death. It can happen any moment, it’s natural, and therefore treasure life. So I thought I was ready.
Gary only lived 3 weeks after I adopted him. I found him lying still in his bed. I couldn’t believe how limp he felt after trying to revive him. It absolutely crushed me. He had a really funny bark that was really old and hoarse. And I wouldn’t hear it again. This was my first time dealing with the death of someone close to me.
Much as the thought experiment shows, it’s hard to make an emotional connection unless it is close to you. After seeing the life pass from Gary, I made a decision not to do anything would cause animal suffering. Therefore, I promised him I wouldn’t eat any dairy.
It’s been hard to make the transition. Dairy is just so ubiquitous, especially in baking. Luckily there’s great butter and milk alternatives. Not so much in the cheese department. Either way, instead of the pleasure of the taste of cheese, I take pleasure in making the right decision.