How do we convince more people?
This chapter presents two approaches to getting more people to accept the idea of a better world for all beings that can feel.
Compatibility ranges
Some ideas can only be accepted along with lots of other ideas. Other ideas fit with many different views. The author calls this a compatibility range.
If we think an idea requires accepting lots of others, but it actually doesn't, we miss the chance to convince many people.
Ideas that fit with many views
To accept the goals below, you don't need to follow any particular ethical theory or belong to any particular political camp:
- consideration for all sentient beings;
- rejecting speciesism;
- ending animal exploitation, and veganism;
- reducing the suffering of wild animals;
- preventing risks of suffering in the future.
Two approaches
- Full approach: standing up for what we think is the best decision, all of it.
- Sufficient approach: showing that even people who disagree with part of our position can accept some of it, or some of its consequences.
For example: someone might not accept full veganism, but accept that animals matter and cut back a lot on what they consume.
Use both
Each approach on its own has risks. Only defending the ideal can push away people who aren't ready yet. Only asking for the minimum can lead people to stop halfway. The best option seems to be to combine the two.
In short
- Many goals of the animal cause fit with different ethical and political views.
- The full approach defends the ideal; the sufficient approach shows that every step counts.
- It's best to use both together.