Ideologism

In a college class I’m taking, we recently learned about communism, Stalinism, Soviet history, and Central/Eastern European history.

Learning about the prevalence of communism in the region during that period sparked my curiosity.

Reflecting on it, I was reminded about my conviction for animal liberation and equal rights for all sentient beings. Thinking about it philosophically and ethically, this makes sense. Why shouldn’t a sentient beings’ feelings and interests deserve consideration? I couldn’t find an answer.

Though I do feel it is important to bring up how nuanced stances on topics of social and political interest are. Communism according to Karl Marx’s work particularly makes sense regarding equality and fairness for all citizens. Still, I feel there’s a parallel between that and other ideological concepts.

Animal rights are definitely important. There is no way any sentient being deserves to be harmed, and it would only be vain to accept it as an “okay” phenomenon.

I’d like to express that I think we don’t necessarily need one all-encompassing vegan ideology to help make the world a better place for animals. Animal rights is a legitimate ethical stance and can stand independently of any other stances.

I feel like we don’t exclusively need to determine what it means about how we “expect” the entire world should function. The scope of that appears somewhat ideological.

Notice I emphasized the word “expect”. I’m not concerning what’s ideal for this world in that statement, I’m trying to remain grounded in the nature of real life.

There’s always another goal. There is always more work. It’s a never-ending target. One is never going to reach the future. Because by then, one will be looking further into the future. For this reason, remaining grounded in one’s current life and appreciating its qualities, cherishing little beautiful moments is significant, and important. And this is sufficient to feel a sense of meaning in life.

For example, fairness and equality are important, but that doesn’t mean the communism movement prevalent back then was right for everyone in the society at the expense of everything else (under Stalinism).

There is always room for nuance regardless of which governance system or political/philosophical stance there is.

Similarly, animal liberation isn’t necessarily about being on a mission to realize the ideology or actualize the conviction. It is an attitude that guides our everyday choices and regular life without it needing to be all-consuming.

I hope for a day where animals’ rights will be respected comparably to human rights. But I’m not waiting nor am I striving to control the scope of the whole world. It’s not that I don’t want a better future for animals, I definitely do. I don’t want it to consume the scope and reach of my entire mind. I need to stay grounded in my life so that I remain balanced (and frankly, sane).

Life is not a movie. There is no dramatic action plot where the hero saves the day. It’s the little moments that we can cherish as we continue on our individual journeys. Wish you all well.