As humans, we tend to follow what we’re taught—whether it’s in school, from our families, or through societal norms. But what happens when these lessons go against our values or better judgment? The answer lies in psychological studies like Stanley Milgram’s famous obedience experiment, which shows how easily people conform to authority, even when it contradicts their moral compass.

Milgram’s Experiment: The Power of Obedience

Milgram’s experiment in the 1960s tested how far people would go in obeying authority figures, even when it involved inflicting harm on others. The results were eye-opening: a majority of participants followed orders to administer what they believed were painful electric shocks to another person, despite their obvious discomfort and moral hesitation. The study demonstrated that obedience to authority could override personal ethics and empathy.

The Connection to Meat-Eating

So, how does Milgram’s experiment relate to the common practice of eating meat? Consider this: society teaches us from a young age that eating meat is normal, necessary, and even healthy. It’s so deeply ingrained in our culture that questioning it often feels like a rebellion against established norms. Just as Milgram’s participants obeyed authority figures, many of us obey societal pressures—eating meat because it’s what we’ve always been told to do.

Why Conformity is a Problem

The issue with this conformity is that it leads to a lack of critical thinking. People don’t question whether eating meat is truly necessary for health or if it’s ethical to cause harm to animals in order to eat. Much like Milgram’s subjects, we often follow what we’ve been told, not because it’s right or even because it’s good for us, but because we’ve been conditioned to believe it’s the way things should be.

Breaking Free from the Norm

It’s time we break free from this autopilot obedience and think critically about our choices, especially when it comes to our food. Just as Milgram’s participants could have chosen to defy the authority figure, we have the power to challenge the status quo. We don’t have to follow harmful traditions or blindly accept things because they’ve always been done that way.

By questioning the norm and embracing plant-based alternatives, we can make ethical, health-conscious choices that align with our values and better serve the world. Like those who resist authority in Milgram’s experiment, challenging the meat-eating norm isn’t easy—but it’s necessary for creating a more compassionate and sustainable future.

Conclusion

Conformity can be comforting, but it can also keep us from questioning what’s right. Milgram’s experiment is a powerful reminder that we need to think for ourselves, challenge harmful norms, and make choices that reflect our true values. It’s time to break free from the senseless murdering of sentient beings tradition and embrace a healthier, kinder way of living.