Less-Cruel: It’s a new way of thinking about issues of ethics in various spheres of life:
Vegans
If you are or have ever tried to be a vegan, you have doubtless found yourself in discussions where people offered these criticisms or objections:
When a crop is harvested—in a large field or even in a garden—many small animals are killed in the process (either by violent accident (getting crushed by tractor tires or gardener’s feet), deprivation of habitat, or by intentional efforts (planting to encourage populations of “beneficial insects”, i.e., insects which devour other insects). In short, people try to find some way in which a vegan isn’t a perfect vegan or in which pure veganism is impossible, thereby arguing that it is misguided, foolish, or wrong.
Economic Ethics
If you have ever advocated for more ethical ways of life, you have doubtless encountered “friends” or family who argue that “if you were really sincere and consistent, you wouldn’t be wearing that shirt which was manufactured under terrible conditions in [some third world country].” The same can be said about our computers, mobile phones—about much of the stuff we buy. To be 100% committed to an ideal of non-exploitation would require one to do without most clothing, electronics, food (much of which is harvested under terrible working conditions), and so on. The gist of these arguments is usually to challenge the consistency, commitment, or sincerity of the person who is trying to live a more ethical life.
As long as we view these areas of ethics purely through the lens of right and wrong and with an emphasis on consistency, we will have these difficulties. But if we look upon not harming other people or animals (or other sentient beings) as a lofty, worthwhile—even if not perfectly unattainable or achievable—goal, we can appreciate progress toward that goal.
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The less-cruel.com community is here to support, encourage, inform, and empower one another to live lives that are less-cruel. Not perfect. But less (and less) cruel. Join us. Register. Contribute.