In regards to eating meat

[Monica]

I see this as a process of illumination. Thankfully this group is willing to discuss it. I don't think we are all self-righteous. And if some of that slips in, so what? The discussion is still alive--it has life; it goes out into the sum of all; it adds to the light.

Exactly. And, whenever Person A has strong convictions about something that they choose not to do, Person B who does do that thing often tends to think Person A is 'self-righteous' no matter what Person A does or says.

Like when John thinks Julie is 'self-righteous' when she asks the waiter for a vegetarian entree, even though Julie said nothing about John's choice of steak. Happens all the time.

Then, if John asks Julie why she's a vegetarian and she gives an honest answer, he accuses her of being 'holier than thou' and 'proselytizing.'

I contend that if people were really comfortable with their choice to eat animals, they wouldn't get so hot and bothered when vegetarians voice their opinions. They would just smile and say, "Oh that's nice. Go for it! Meanwhile I enjoy my steak."