Why I'm A Vegan | Moby | TEDxVeniceBeach

Activist/musician Moby discusses the personal history and realizations that led him to veganism, and why increasing our empathy towards animals is essential to the future health of ourselves and our planet. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@JohnVanSlyke]

I became a vegan at age 50. My mom became a vegan at age 75. It's never too late to make a change.

[@aydnofastro-action1788]

John Van Slyke you will all have dementia before you can say “pass the tofu.”

[@MrPerfume1979]

How is it going so far? My mother and sister are bleebing mad, practicing shamanism new age bullcrap. I began eating only meat and was shown to be a hyperresponder but I haven’t had more than two bad days, training every day in over 3 months. I think ill rather die sooner of CVD or maybe later bcs all cause mortality might be down, than become a nut.

[@aydnofastro-action1788]

GrimSpeaker even Dr. Gregor does a long talk about a long awaited study of 8,000 vegetarians and non for 18 years that found that both dies of the same rate of CVD and stroke. No difference, But veg died of “degenerative brain disease” at higher rates. He tried to tweak the diet to fix all this. I’ll say it again ... even Gregor! Points to this study like it’s gold. I wouldn’t worry about CVD. It’s inflammatory like all other diseases. Watch Bart Kay video called “don’t eat for winter” it will be illuminating. And his other videos on cholesterol.

[@EnjoyPlantPower]

That's awesome!! 👌

[@meiko431]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@stargazer1359]

When he said it's the best part of who I am...That made me cry...

[@germano2808]

I cried too in this part, is it weird? hug from Argentina.

[@shiv_ring]

Because it's true. Few people think about this regularly and the importance of it. Empathy. It's what makes us what we really are.

[@gallectee6032]

11:14 "the part of humanity that wants to protect the innocent and defend the vulnerable, that's the best of humanity, not the part that puts animals in factory farms."

[@burnedflowers141]

Being vegan is the only thing I'm proud of in my life lmao

[@natalia3083]

Me too 😂😂

[@haradevourou769]

3 years vegan. For the animals, the planet and my health! I am so proud of all of us!!! We are showing what love is!

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

Yes, good for you. LOVE IS THE DRIVING FORCE. Love does not happen from killing and eating animals, it never will. Me, many years a whole food ethical vegan.

[@religion-free]

Yeay you@@rachelgoodkind6545 ! me around 9 months or sO now 👏

[@artistsanomalous7369]

"We must all make the choice between what is right, and what is easy" - Dumbledore

[@ObamaoZedong]

God I love this quote! Fortunately going vegan is super easy these days!

[@TheCatBiscuit]

"protect the innocent and defend the vulnerable" - that's what it's about

[@gabrielababycake]

pyxis 😍

[@banishedfromthedwarfplanet530]

Do you feel the same way about unborn human babies?

[@imduka]

@@banishedfromthedwarfplanet530 "unborn" could you please tell me, how many times he emphasized CNS in his speech?

[@BrigitteCavanagh]

@@banishedfromthedwarfplanet530 oh abortion is the right of women.

[@higherlife2635]

@@banishedfromthedwarfplanet530 Sadly, human beings in the womb don't get even half of the attention and compassion animals get. That's the greatest tragedy, and therein lies the most enigmatic paradox. I'm for treating animals with care and decency, but it was shocking to hear him say, "Animals are wonderful. Humans are terrible." It's a terrible mistake to be overzealous for animals, while making light of human dignity.

[@jasonalbano5052]

The documentary Moby scored, "Earthlings," helped me become vegan practically overnight. Loved this talk.

[@chapachuu]

Same experience. 20 minutes into Earthlings I had to shut it off because I was so distressed. Literally went vegan in those minutes and never looked back (it's been almost 5 years).

[@Hugatree1]

Jason Albano Ⓥ same here. Moby is such an incredible human being he is such a beautiful example of evolved humanity

[@Jen18812]

had no idea he scored that. Going to watch it knowing that!

[@sunny4lady]

me too! :-)

[@gypsy-nr9zd]

that was Joaquin Phoenix

[@helenegombia7600]

I am Vegan for Life. I became Vegan I was 16. I am 77. To be Vegan is a Gift from.the Universe Peace and ❤️Love

[@dtsx1557]

You're amazing!

[@jollyraizada6846]

Have a lo…….ng vegan life ❤❤❤

[@religion-free]

WOW God Bless you Sir! .................. or Ma'am! ✊

[@boszika87]

You are amazing! A true HERO 💚💚💚

[@achildofthelight4725]

​​@@religion-free they may not wish to be labelled with such titles.... please respect everyone, just as cats love mice and birds, or anything it may get its claws on for dinner 😊

[@kristinLB]

I finally went plant based vegan 2 months ago and am so happy. I love animals and I think we just don’t understand how horrible slaughterhouses are. I literally saw 5 seconds of some footage and cried for an hour and hugged my dog. If everyone was made to watch it they would make that connection. Accept those with no heart.

[@sciencelad8286]

I’m vegan and I live in a permanent state of trauma. Humans are the most savage, insensitive, immoral and most destructive creatures in the known universe. Nothing comes close. The animals humans torture and kill by the billions for no reason whatsoever, are loving, gentle and kind.

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

Thank you for your compassion. Growing up as omnivores we are taught to feed ourselves and ignore the suffering of the animals. It is truly an inhumane and selfish decision to make. Thank you for your awareness. Me, a whole food ethical vegan for over 25 years...

[@religion-free]

WOW@@rachelgoodkind6545 sO jealous of you! God bless!

[@Richie_Likes_Running]

I just wish I'd made the connection sooner.

[@BeHappyNoMatterWhat]

Story of most vegans' life lol. I was vegetarian for about 4 years before going vegan. I was still disconnected.

[@albino_panda1363]

I feel ya on this. I was vegetarian for a long time but somehow ignored the suffering caused by dairy and eggs. Making the switch a few years ago was amazing. Minds once open have a hard time returning to before.

[@BeHappyNoMatterWhat]

That's how I feel - I could never go back to eating that stuff. It repulses me now. I do know some vegans that go back... I could never understand how!

[@connaghananthony]

Richie we all would but we were and still are being condtioned in certain ways 👍

[@leenbee17]

Me too.

[@amybradley216]

My moment happened when I became a mother and I realized what a poor mother dairy cow must go through having her baby taken away so we can have her milk. I'm vegan for the mothers.

[@Mistanyycguy]

Good on you for doing that. It's ridiculous what they go through when it's beyond unnecessary. Plus I find much more variety and taste in plant milks!

[@Frenchblue8]

Amy Bradley Me, as well. Bless 'em.

[@Chiungalla79]

I was a vegan for quite a while when I first thought about the pain and suffering mother (and child) cows go through so that we can drink milk. It really never occurred to me beforehand. This alone is a good reason to go vegan. In my opinion, there are others, which are even more important. I'm an ecologist, with a deep and profound love for nature, biodiversity and especially the rainforests and oceans, so the ecological reasons turned me in the first place and are still the most convincing to me. But we should be all aware that there a lot of good reasons and all of them are sufficient on their own. But together they make an overwhelmingly strong case for veganism.

[@daniela140585]

same here :)

[@MrAwesomerod]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@GardenMinistry.]

Vegan 4.5 years and counting. My moment was on a slow 12 hour shift at work, watched an interview on my phone on KZbin by Ellen Degenerous stating she was vegan after watching Earthlings. I thought to myself, I should watch that to see what she’s referring to. After watching the whole Earthlings movie I could never touch a meat product again. Those agonizing images are forever seared into my mind. I no longer see meat as food, it’s muscle and blood which was once a living sentient being, killed for someone’s pleasure. And milk is someone else’s breastmilk, not mine. My mind is now open to all realities and truths, and I can not look back. Pair that with environmental issues, and all the things Moby just stated, and it’s pretty clear. I can no longer deny the connection.

[@sharondunne9832]

YooToobgurl86 I love your story,your so kind ,you followed your heart because it knew the way.sending loads of vegan love your way🇮🇪💕👍🌻

[@virginiar3733]

I stopped eating animals after following him on Instagram. Every once in a while he posts a picture of cows,pigs and chicken and writes a very simple capture: Our choice is simple. We contribute to their suffering or we don't.

[@PANOP123]

Animals teach us how to be human. Much love.

[@hannahb7802]

Cosmin Costea Haters gonna Hate 👍🏾😎. Cosmin you might be a little more positive and nice if you stopped supporting the suffering and killing of innocent animals!

[@hannahb7802]

Cosmin Costea also, notice how you are the only one commenting hate on these beautiful comments, that really sheds some light on the kind of person you are

[@ishthefish9006]

@@hannahb7802 girl shut up we're violent in nature notice we live in reality. Violence is in our DNA . I am vegan but im not a hippie. Being nice gets you nowhere as a species

[@lsslegendgeorge9948]

Yeah I love lions right Humanity unless lions don’t count

[@edenlost4074]

You mean other(!) animals! Other(!) Earthlings. Other(!) members of Fauna. Other(!) SENTIENT living beings. Dominion (2018) describes it best: Just because a living being doesn't/can't express their/her/his mind the same way, it doesn't mean they/she/he are/is worth more or less than you. We are all the children of this planet, there is enough food and space for each and everyone of us.

[@thedebatehitman]

My wife and I are about to reach our second year as vegans, and we haven’t yet died of a protein deficiency! Our food costs plummeted, our waistlines shrunk, and we feel great. Going vegan is better for the environment, the animals, our health, resources, healthcare costs, etc. We love it.

[@fine100]

Do you have children?

[@kimle190]

Please make sure u take a b12, epa/aha supplement and eat 2 brazil nuts a day... much love

[@maurice2014]

B12?

[@sadiedavenport]

@@maurice2014 yes 😊 b12 is a crucial b vitamin made by bacteria. Since we drink treated water and wash our fruits and veggies we don't get the bacteria so definitely take a supplement. If we have a really balanced diet it's the only supplement we need. And people who eat meat can certainly still be deficient. Everyone should take B12, but vegans especially

[@aydnofastro-action1788]

Oh you will suffer greatly, give it Time.

[@leedsbutler3567]

I became vegan 12 years ago to impress a vegan girl I was I love with. We never ended up together but today I find myself so deeply connected with mother earth. All life. Its beautiful. I hope all humanity will come to find love and harmony through veganism.

[@roblovegreen]

self directed soul Leave it to a misguided woman in a cult to pull you into one.

[@KatrinaDancer]

@@roblovegreen You're the one who is brainwashed and conditioned by society. Just because something is legal doesn't make it moral.

[@forshizzleinthehizzl]

Atheism is a religion

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

@@roblovegreen Strong males are loving and compassionate. They are not victimizers of helpless animals. Men should be protectors, not bullies. Watch the documentaries "cowspiracy" and "earthlings" to see the truths.

[@AaronVets]

@@roblovegreen🤡

[@waywardwinchester]

This is amazing, great man and a great speech.

[@nicolepapole]

Great talk. I hope it opens many minds. Becoming vegan was easily one of the best choices I ever made.

[@comicsans5342]

Same

[@britishmgtow7251]

Dont do it, it's not healthy or good for animals

[@cristybello]

nicolepapole I dont make it.... I try but I also end up eating fish or chicken... I dont feel proud... it is a weakness I guess

[@adelelo4897]

agreed 10000%- same here!

[@anastav6915]

@@cristybello if you cant overcome your addiction you should go for mock meats first. plenty of really delicious options out there

[@shaniya_hope]

I had the absolutely world shattering realisation rather late that the chicken on my plate was the same as the chickens that I had seen in pictures at school, around 7. I didn’t become vegan until 19 but I think about that conscientious little 7 year old me and thank her for caring about living beings with all her heart that she didn’t eat any more dinner that night.

[@BeHappyNoMatterWhat]

That's so sweet

[@jb6879]

Shaniya Allan not really but ok.

[@KosmicAura]

Aha this is so pure

[@LydLiz]

This reminds me of how lisa goes veggie on the simpsons

[@jmatthewssmith]

Google chicken research. they are smarter than we thought. they can add. they invented the "pecking order", they display it. On another note, they are the worst meat for your heart. Google Dr.Greger. U won't, cuz your taste buds not your mind rules your body.

[@anniemedicalmassage]

My last piece of meat was in 2005. I wanted to go see a movie one night in the spring of ‘05. I picked a documentary called “Fast food nation”, because I began my health kick path and thought it would be entertaining talking about the fast food industry. Little did I know, that THAT movie was the pivotal point of my life. It shook me to the core about factory farming. Those 2 hrs changed my life forever. Mahalo Nui Loa Moby for your contribution 🤙🌺

[@sarahgale9238]

Thank you Moby for you music, but mostly for your kindness to animals. Two months a vegan and I will never go back. Did it for the animals but the health benefits have been tremendous-I’m a type 1 diabetic and I’m taking much less insulin now. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by how it treats its animals.” Gandhi. 💚💚🌱💚

[@gervasiochiazzo882]

I may be biased, but I think that was the best TED talk I've heard in a long while.

[@shaniya_hope]

Gervasio Chiazzo “I may be biased” 😂 my bias draws me to a similar conclusion too hahaha

[@sunray6673]

"...in a long while." What an anti-climax that is when it follows "the best.."!

[@gervasiochiazzo882]

Hahahaha. I really love "Why Privacy Matters" by Glenn Greenwald. Different topic, but I totally recommend it! Greenwald, by the way, has brought a lot of attention to this issue lately.

[@capetrader6666]

5 years vegan and will never look back

[@ivaaferr8141]

Why don't apply that logic to you Cosmin Cotea? I'm sure that would be 100 times better​

[@hellopragrammers3136]

Man, you are an inspiration. I have been Vegan for 6 months. My body is transforming into a healthier shape. My life is turning in a positive direction. My viewpoint toward the world has changed. Now I feel more responsible for what I do, how I behave with other peoples and with the Mother Earth.

[@chapachuu]

Same here (almost 5 years). I've never felt better in every way!

[@Okinawanveganchef]

Same here! 2013 3 days before Thanksgiving Day. Never looking back ever! Vegan for life!! Aloha Cape!

[@loveistheanswer5495]

2 years here.

[@imuurme]

thank you Moby ..love your music and you activism for animals.. 20 yrs vegan here and loving every minute of it..some yrs ago it was unheard of to speak abt diet change and the word ''vegan'' rarely popped up.. now we have made strides.. the movement is here to stay and expanding rapidly... ♥

[@wendiesel2606]

It's really interesting on a psychological standpoint, the level of narcissism it takes to dismiss the suffering we inflict on others. Veganism will undoubtedly uplift humanity to new evolutionary heights in empathy. Thank you for this presentation ❤

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

absolutely agreed. It is compartmentalization and speciesism, and ignoring the truth.

[@gb2983]

I am a vegan because I couldn't find a good reason not to be one. Why would I contribute to animal suffering, environmental damage and my own personal health if I don't have to? You may argue these points but from what I understand, the benefit of being vegan outweighs the benefit of not being vegan. Seems logical right?

[@waifu_png_pl6854]

why would i not eat meat when i can

[@tomloiselle2785]

Splatfan did you not read her comment?

[@tomloiselle2785]

Splatfan animal suffering, environmental damage, your own personal health, etc...

[@buninthe7424]

Agreed. But I found myself choosing to not think about it for a few years before I made the decision if I'm completely honest. I thought I would never be able to go vegan, and for a while, I thought vegans were just crazy and maybe had too little to worry about in life. Completely unfair I know but I think it takes time for people to open their eyes, or at least it did for me.

[@mikadege5285]

same

[@veganinjapanitaly8437]

Moby is really a wonderful person ❤️

[@tivoni]

The part with Tucker made me cry. You're a good man. To everyone else GO VEGAN!

[@soljodowana1]

This was one of the most powerful talks on veganism that I've seen in a long time! 🌍🌱🔥🌻🙌🌿🍀

[@austinwebb9380]

This was beautiful, thank you Moby! I've been vegan for a year and a half now and it's been the best decision of my life. It's much easier than you'd think. Give it a try :)

[@kikolandzik]

with that face for sure its easier than others

[@jprice_]

Nothing but respect for that man. Being of such prominence, yet still being adamant about non-mainstream ideals, you don't find that very often. Especailly since he's been this way for over 30 years.

[@jazyje74]

No preaching, just great storytelling. And now, I'm sitting here, crying, huge tears rushing down my cheeks.

[@KlausHendryck]

So glad that I realized this while I was still in my teens. We need to pave the way for our future.

[@biscuitsalive]

I never thought much of Moby till now. (Thought his music was ok) But now, much respect! That boy has his heart in the right place.

[@Danielrjb97]

people will deny this truth now but eventually the world goes vegan 🌱

[@squidwardiscool7915]

@Cosmin Costea did you know that you can eat your chesseburger and get cancer, birth defects, obesity, alzheimer's, memory loss, digestive issues, autism, brain problems, and stomach diseases from it? WOW

[@martynblackburn1977]

Don't be silly. The world is not going vegan any time soon.

[@SpaceAdmiral792t]

@@martynblackburn1977 the world will go vegan eventually maybe in 10 years or 2 years

[@martynblackburn1977]

@@SpaceAdmiral792t We need to get away from veganism and start to eat our own children to save the planet.

[@mausauceda1]

@@martynblackburn1977 wow strong argument, and great humor - said no one

[@joshbono7455]

“Antibiotic resistance, the plague that awaits us all...” damn, that really got me. I’m already vegan, and have been for awhile, but that really strengthened by beliefs.

[@GoVeganForTheAnimal]

Vegan for life. Vegan for animals. Never go back, always thrive

[@DrAlexisM]

YES 🥹 🌱🌱 🐖 ❤ 🐑 💖 🐓 🦃 ❤️ 🐮 💖🌱🌱

[@DanRuns]

Great talk , informative and genuine

[@SUN2RA]

Dan Vlogs YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SoulintheRaw]

So beautiful, so touching, so real. Ah, you made me cry! What a beautiful activist you are. We will get there!

[@Hugatree1]

I absolutely adore Moby and have always loved his incredible alternative- techno musical genre. But his work on animal rights and veganism puts him in a league of his own. His work on the soundtrack of Earthlings is beyond beautiful

[@NagehanOzhim]

I am proud to say that you can welcome me into the community and this part of being a human. Doing the good thing deep down makes me feel great.

[@maryfinelli9390]

Thank you, Moby! Being vegan is easier, better, and more compelling than ever.

[@owlsltd-fullservicepestcon5101]

LOVE MOBY FOR HIS VALUES

[@80slimshadys]

and his music

[@samculver9852]

80 Slim Shady's why not have both :)

[@maryamel-sherif9834]

Mobys liner notes on " play " in 2001 convinced me to be vegetarian and later vegan. It made sense spiritually . I'm so grateful to this kind articulate man.

[@huishaai]

I am a new vegan, this was inspiring. Thanks for the eloquent vocalizing of my feelings.

[@maimohamed3590]

Wow I didn't know he's a vegan😍 I'm proud to be a vegan too, thanks a lot✨✨💎🙏😊

[@armandoes]

Mai Mohamed he is not only vegan, he is one of the most dedicated activists, Alongside with Joaquín Phoenix. He made the music for Earthlings and now for Dominion i think

[@0rluh]

He’s been one of my favorite vegans for at least 20 years

[@uditvyas1]

Mai Mohamed strange, because you are Muslim

[@zivkoren5282]

Mai Mohamed he's vegan for 30+ years

[@GOVEGAN269]

He's an activist and that makes a huge difference.

[@samisbikinis1373]

The best video I’ve seen in a long time. It all comes down to love and life. I was the same way when I was a kid with all of the animals, we always had a connection. I am now a proud vegan and will always be for the animals!

[@optimaldietcoach1705]

I love this talk! It's so heartfelt. I've been vegan for 15 years now, it's my life's mission now, trying to help people reach their hundred percent vegan also. 💞🙏

[@sandeeppalla004]

Respect..what a speech! Choosing Vegan lifestyle is the most gratifying decision made in my life.

[@mayur1690]

Yes me too

[@Hanna4645]

Great talk, im proud to be vegan

[@joeljones585]

Cosmin Costea Dude, you just make meat eaters look bad.

[@leangroundbeef2322]

I feel sorry for you. Meat is delicious.

[@sofiareis5568]

@@leangroundbeef2322 so are plants

[@leangroundbeef2322]

@@sofiareis5568 so it meat..

[@sofiareis5568]

@@leangroundbeef2322 the thing is that meat is somebody's body. Not food. Plants can be as tasty as meat because the secret is the seasoning and the cooking. You don't really like the taste of meat, you only liked it when it's cooked. So you can temper plants like you temper meat and they will taste the same as meat. It's better for the you, the planet and animals

[@dontcomply6046]

This man's music in the documentary Earthlings will always stay with me. That film is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

[@amitparmar2005]

5 years back, when I was in St. Louis (USA), during our discussion at potluck lunch one of my colleague asked me “Since when you are vegan/vegetarian?”, my answer was as far as I know since last 10,000 years. He was shocked. I explained him we have been vegan/vegetarian from generations. His reply was I wish I could be vegetarian someday.

[@tamesabine]

Great Story! It could be my story, I had a special bond with animals from childhood! One day as a young adolescent, at Dinner, I told my mom I was a vegetarian and was never going to eat meat again! That was 50 years ago now, and true, except now I am Vegan! That deep love of animals left me with little doubt that I could not eat them!

[@BrittKatSlat]

Been vegan for 5 years. It’s changed my life for the better on so many levels. It’s for the better of the earth and animals and our bodies. Our teeth formation, intestinal length and jaw all prove that we were meant to be herbivores before our ancestors chose to hunt and eat meat. Nothing wrong with that! I love and respect what they did to survive but the factory farms today- and the entire animal industries need to GO. Study the abuse, cruelty and horrid practices of these sentient and emotional animals. It’ll break your heart. I am a farm girl from Iowa that made a change! U can too.

[@jenniferjames8876]

BrittKatSlat I love it when a farmer or hunter go vegan, Its a wonderful connection for the animals thank you.

[@Okinawanveganchef]

Same here 5 years, now I'm a vegan chef. Mahalo Britt!

[@bosanskislavonac]

You have never looked into horse or cow teeth. You don't know what you are talking about. We are not herbivores.

[@religion-free]

nO. we're frugivores, since we're among The Great Apes

[@Tracydot3]

This was a great talk. Moby is awesome. I've been a vegan for 12 years and am really glad I made that connection. I think in the future all humans will be vegan. I hope it's the near future. There are so many delicious plant based replacements for dead animals and animal products. There's no reason to keep killing animals for food.

[@sarahyak_]

This was such a wonderful and unique speech! I went vegan a year ago and the only regret I have is that I didn't do it sooner

[@humanityisislam]

I once had almost a physical fight with a Vegan, it was abusive and hated that person but after couple of months my whole family became Vegan and I have convinced 3 other pakistani families who became Vegan, VEGANS speak, invite do what ever you can do to stop this greatest injustice and incredible and unnecessary suffering of other sentient beings, you never know the person your speaking to, may become the greatest Vegan activist

[@evelinastankeviciute2678]

That is just plain beautiful. Thank you, Moby

[@kitianmausisa287]

I'm glad I've made the connection.

[@ALBUMOF2008]

I had been a vegetarian my whole life until I FINALLY made the connection a year ago! Proud to be vegan. Wish I’d only woken up sooner. Moby is amazing and I’m so thankful for his undying passion to spread the word of veganism on behalf of the animals

[@ElisabettaLily92]

It s important that people like you talk about this, you can make way more difference that I can make. Thanks Moby

[@FPOAK]

Why I'm a vegan: I think unnecessary suffering is bad and should be reduced. Thanks to modern technology we can now easily acquire every required nutrient without animal products. Therefore the suffering involved in animal agriculture is unnecessary, and we should act to reduce it. The argument is simple but I think it's the consistent logical conclusion of the moral intuition that most people already have about the wrongness of needless suffering.

[@MegaZidzid]

Why I ain't vegan: I think unnecessary suffering is bad and should be reduced. While I was a vegetarian/vegan my health suffered greatly and the health of people nearby because I was severely depressed/delusional. I don't want that to happen ever again.

[@zieo5864]

saša search “nutritionfacts.org” and watch Dr.Gregors transition guide. Whole food plant based is the only known diet to prevent and reverse heart disease!

[@pepinillorick5741]

Perfect logic, i think in the exact same way, and anyone who heard that world reconsider his actions.

[@sigmamale3276]

saša of course eating vegan junk food would make you feel like that

[@Bloxeh]

@saša I'm sorry to hear you had health issues trying to help animals! Since you wrote "vegetarian/vegan" the question about what you ate comes to mind. There are so many types of diets within veganism, let alone vegetarianism and not all of them are healthy (like the always mentioned diet of "pringels and vodka"). Since your heart is in the right place, I hope you'll revisit the idea of a vegan diet one day again. Maybe you could change some things compared to the first time to prevent your health decreasing (and maybe it might even increase!). There might be details to it in your case that make the process somewhat more complex to others who can do it 'cold turkey'. I had some health issues through my time eating omnivorous, then vegetarian, then vegan. But they only (and finally!) went away when I adopted a whole food plant based diet. It has some kinks to it, as yours might need to have too! I'm off medications for a year now, which I took for 8 years and I can't believe how easy the solution was in the end. All the best for you!

[@Frenchblue8]

Moby, we grew up in the same small town!! I actually think I know your house. Even better, . I think your mom might have dated my dad ~ musician, not addict or Hell's Angel, haha. Yup. The dump on Ledge Road. Right up from Howard Johnson's. . Small​ 🌍 And. my son's name is.... Tucker. You can't invent this stuff.☺

[@caramelunicorn8023]

I become a vegan two days ago. I know they eat dogs in some countries and it upset me, but then my friend said why aren't you upset about cows and chickens being eaten. Only recently did I realize that it actually upsets me too. I also saw this heartbreaking video of chicks being thrown into a macerator. I felt so much pain in my heart. Also the process of cows being artificially inseminated to produce milk that wasn't even meant for human consumption. And that their calves are taken away or cruelly murdered. Its just horrendous all of it. I believe being a vegan can give me a clear conscience knowing that I am not supporting a cruel industry where animals are senselessly abused, mistreated and killed for selfish human beings. Not to mention how unhealthy milk actually is for me, along with meat.

[@notme1345]

Plants are living Creatures as well

[@joellenburton6697]

Hello Rickus, wondering if you are still vegan?

[@jagannadhraj3607]

@@notme1345 they don't feel pain

[@notme1345]

@@jagannadhraj3607 how do you know

[@jagannadhraj3607]

@@notme1345 plants didn't have central nervous system or pain receptors

[@h.rogers44]

I became a vegan 10 years ago. This speech always reminds me of why I do what I do. Easiest and best decision I have ever made.

[@GreenVegan816]

I'm so grateful I was willing to hear and see the truth. Veganism is my life choice.

[@Summerbrah]

Cosmin Costea bro that is not funny

[@veganspace]

One of the most interesting ppl in the world... Imo 😊💛

[@veganspace]

Kindness kills more... Peace!

[@terryspeed5861]

Proud of vegans, critical thinking, compassion in their heart and souls.

[@z.a.9366]

There are so many great comments here. ❤️ Just started my journey as a vegan and my conscience is clean and it feels very good to eat so many different coloured plants and seeds. I never liked touching raw meat or eating meat that much.

[@connorwhitmore5400]

This is so beautiful, thank you TED for giving Moby and veganism generally this platform. I would like to take this opportunity to ask anyone in this comments section what they feel are their most worthwhile techniques for getting people thinking about going vegan. My friends ask me about it and I'm never sure of the best things to tell them about it, and how to go about doing that. So yeah, any advice would be grand :)

[@TJDrumsRHCP]

I have the same feeling sometimes when people ask me. Instead of lecturing them on facts ('it is hyocritical to love your pets and eat meat') it seems better to share your personal experience ('When I looked at my dog I felt like a hypocrit eating cows meat'). Since these people are your friends, they are more likely to empathise with that last approach than the second one. When they have questions or when they agree, you can then proceed to facts ('I started to research the subject and I found I don't have to eat meat to be healthy') or you can ask them questions and let them figure it out by themselves: (Do they have pets? Do they think culture dictates morality? Do they realize what cows go through in order to give milk?). I would say, don't bring up the subject yourself. I've only been vegan for 1,5 years but in my experience of sharing meals with people, friends and family always bring up the subject themselves when they see I don't eat the meat or drink the milk. I always make sure to appear confident and comfortable about my choices (because I am!) and be the 'vegan' other vegans want me to be (helpful and kind instead of stereotype enforcing and annoying). Hope this helps.

[@nettierose4915]

There are different opinions and approaches, but here is what I have come to learn from being a vegan for almost 30 years and an activist for 20. A lot of it is basic psychology. People do not respond well to being attacked and criticized, being lectured to, guilt tripped, or feeling like someone is trying to get them to do something. We need to be friendly, understanding, non judgemental, kind and ask questions ( Socratic method) to get them thinking and so we can address their thoughts. Also, over the years, I have changed my approach as I learned more. I now tell people that the best thing anyone can do to reduce animal suffering is to stop eating chickens! Why? Chickens are the most abused of all, and being smaller animals many more are eaten. In fact, chickens make up 99% of all land animals slaughtered. This is happening because people are replacing red meat with chicken flesh, thinking they are doing something good. We have more compassion for mammals, even vegans do, so chickens tend to be ignored and activists focus much more on mammals. But chickens have it the worst of all and suffer beyond comprehension. Too long to go into details, but it is bad. Not eating chicken is the opposite of what everyone does but doing this reduces the most suffering and saves the most animals.

[@connorwhitmore5400]

This is great thank you!

[@connorwhitmore5400]

Again, thank you this is brilliant! Onwards and upwards :)

[@lilaclady4591]

You could tell them you no longer stink up the bathroom. :-) Mainly, though, you're probably a much calmer human being following a WFPB diet --.nothing rattles you so much...not as stressed or uptight as you used to be. (I'm assuming, here.).

[@SpanishWithNate.]

Beautiful speech Moby. Vegan for life!❤️

[@ifyouwantoreplyjustclickth5063]

Ive been vegan for a few years but I never knew veganism would spread so wildly. I just thought I'd always be the only vegan around but to see how far its come is really inspiring. Lets give credit to Donald Watson who basically officiated vegansim!

[@DrReginaldFinleySr]

The excuses that people make to continue to do the harm they do to others is utterly heartbreaking. I'm glad to see so many people waking up and seeing the world clearly. For the animals, for the planet, for us. Peace.

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

Yes, they are EXCUSATARIANS.

[@ATRUSTEDSERVANT]

Thank you wholesome soul for sharing your truth🙏 I see and hear you. I also thank you bc your music lead me/kept me alive literally not figuratively during times of times of grave darkness in my life (teen years as an outcast-ouch!)....words can never express the true depth of my graditude. I don't wish to bother you and open a dialogue but I hope this fact reaches you-how much you have helped me....and continue to do so. Thankyou💓🙏

[@livelongenoughtoliveforeve1114]

Moby - a true legend! :-)

[@slipperyjackreviewsit1548]

I have been a fan of Moby since I was a little kid. I never knew he was a vegan til recently. Amazing story!

[@mvr1145]

I love this talk. This is a concept I have been thinking of for some time and he brings it up extremely well here. Most of us have been raised by animals. Stuffed animals, pictures of animals in books, in the walls of our bedrooms and schools, stories of animals on tv and movies, a companion animal in our house, at our neighbor's house; animals in circus, zoos, fairs.... All these animals were teaching us about values, about family, friendship and life because these stories were personalizing animals as role models. And at the same time, we grow up with that "wall" in our brain, that disconnection of what is happening on reality. What animals we love, which ones we eat, which we use or abuse... We grow up and we still don't make the connection because all our life has been about that normalization of the objectification of animals, not knowing what was going on with them for real. I don't blame our parents back then, as they had experienced the same with their parents and that's what they knew mostly. But today, with all the information we have, we really have to stop telling lies to children, we are doing them any favor by avoiding telling them the truth about those living sentient animals friends that they have.

[@AshleenWoods]

Eloquently stated, without being condescending or judgmental. What a great way to help put the lifestyle into perspective.

[@NiaLaLa_V]

You are being the things you claim to be against.

[@YouTubeUtah]

Great advice from a great musician. Enjoy his music, love his logic.

[@georgeorwell7149]

His music sucks and his logic is based on lies.

[@nyirbatorisarlatangeci3151]

hIs MuSiC SuCkS aNd HiS lOgIc Is BaSeD oN lIes blah blah

[@thecaptain2505]

@@georgeorwell7149 Lol, that is quite an Orwellian statement for you to say. Control the masses by insulting someone who speaks truth.

[@beautifultrauma3148]

Excellent. So simple yet so powerful. Make the connection 🌍✌️💚🐮🌱 Thank you Moby 💚

[@OliveDeuce]

Loving all the positive comments ❤️

[@jgreenhh]

Moby you are incredible I cried during the whole speech

[@viktoriyashaykhuzina13]

Valerie Kombucha me too

[@wentropy]

Me three!

[@-Bodd-]

Respect brother, Right on "Vegan for life"

[@TheAndyVegan]

I can't believe I found this by accident. Moby is awesome for this and I want to thank Tedx Talks for giving a vegan activist the opportunity to express his love and compassion for animals. This message is so powerful and so important! Again, thank you TedxTalk!

[@MEL-ti2sp]

VEGAN Bodybuilding on the RISE!!!!!!!!!!!! VEGAN for 25 years strong!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ananyasharma4220]

Wow you are setting an amazing example

[@callingelvis9614]

❤️

[@MarikaMeos]

You know what. His speach is like a song. Listen to it - the pauses and everything.

[@emm1mae]

i loved the story! thanks for sharing ;)

[@veganteapot8459]

Wonderful talk. For me, the music he made for Earthlings is a strong form of activism. Not only does the music match the mood perfectly, but it's also very catchy, meaning it's forever in my head! And every time that music plays in my head, I'll think of veganism. That film made me go vegan and Moby's music really played a really big part. Thank you :)

[@fernandaconceicao146]

Thank you so much to use your voice to help animals

[@SMsneakyninja]

Love! Unconditional love! It is an amazing solution to so many of humanity's worst problems.

[@korichristensen879]

My moment came when I watched okja and saw all these imaginary wonderful animals being killed for food and I thought if I have this much love towards made up animals why am I still eating real ones? So I became vegetarian that day, 6 months later became vegan and here I am loving every minute of it❤️🌱

[@Katie-it2ue]

hey twin

[@xx-er7se]

great film

[@Tamarkaye]

Same here ♥️

[@beakalin3923]

I'am vegan because I love every animal unconditionally! Thank you so much for this great speech!🙏🙏🙏

[@wordswordswords8203]

Moby! Wow!!! Thank you so much! This was amazing. I totally agree with you. Your speech was excellent and funny. Tucker is a cute name for an animal. You don't need a reason!! Take care, Sir! You are one of the good ones out there. Thx for the work you do to help and protect animals. It's very hard work but, yes, it's the best best thing.

[@carolynw3512]

Great story. Filled with compassion and insight. Keep spreading the message.

[@vCoralSandsv]

Fabulous talk! Thanks to Moby & TED for helping plant Vegan seeds

[@SarahStephanieLandry]

What a beautiful talk; thank you so much for uploading. Moby was one of my childhood heroes because of his outspoken veganism and it's a thrill to hear him talk about his discovery of animal equality now, and to know that his passion has only grown stronger in these 35 years.

[@vuyamie]

this video made me cry and.. remember suddenly one little thing. when i was like 6 or 7, we had a lamb in the village i grew up in. i loved this wonderful being. very much. and then i came back home and got invited to dinner. i didn't understand that i was eating my friend that evening until the dinner was over. and to be honest, only now i realize how deeply devastated i was for all these years. Thank you, Moby

[@knuckleheadwilson]

I'm a full on meat eater but I found this talk amazingly emotional. Beautiful words helping me make big decisions in my life ❤️

[@paulzhang8544]

Been vegan for 3 years now. I wish someone had pointed out my cognitive dissonance of eating animals for me sooner. Now I do a lot of vegan activism to offset the bad karma I created before I was vegan. Thank you Moby for being a wonderful activist and an enlightened human being.

[@dankdank1672]

«The part of humanity that wants to protect the innocent, and the defend the vulnerable....thats the best of humanity»

[@Clarityandwisdom33]

One of the best videos I’ve ever seen. I really felt that compassion and Love especially when taking about Tucker and when he talked about the calm and safe animals at the beginning.