Evans, Joshua (1731-1798)

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Joshua Evans (1731-1798) was a Quaker minister who practiced vegetarianism, advocated against slavery and supported Abolition. Evans promoted ethical veg*nism on the basis of biblical ethics and Quaker ideals of Temperance. Evans believed that humans do not have sovereignty over the life of other of God’s creatures. In his Journal  he recalls what John Locke had to say about slavery (that humans are the property of God, therefore they cannot enslave each other) but explicitly expands this discourse to include other-than-human animals. It is partly for this reason that Evans claims to be weary of taking the life of and eating animals. He also refers to the passage in Genesis that suggests that all beings were created vegan (their “meat” being “every herb” and “bearing seed”). He links ethical veganism with frugality as diet is an important component in his ideal of frugality. Evans’s advocacy of Temperance is highlighted in connection with his Abolitionist beliefs, and, at times, his implicit critique of monarchy. He condemns the inheritance, as opposed to the earning of, property. He also strongly favors the consumption of local or home-produced goods rather than luxuries like tea that are imported from distant places. Evans consistently links health and longevity to a simple diet.

 

PUBLICATIONS

 

Last updated on August 29th, 2024

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