Does eating meat make you ignorant?
Most people who have talked to me for more than thirty minutes over the past year heard me talk about food, especially all the fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as the legumes I cook in the pressure cooker.
With many of them, I describe in detail what I eat. Some I even show the pictures, like these, of what I eat
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08347.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08346.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08345.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08344.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08343.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08342.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08341.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08340.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08339.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08338.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08331.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08330.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08329.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![fresh vegetables from the farm](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC08328.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
Or these, showing the farm where my food grew:
![The farm's name on an old truck DSC08350](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08350.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![An old tractor DSC08351](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08351.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![An old tractor DSC08352](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08352.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A tilled field DSC08355](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08355.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Eons ago the land was a lake bed, which they say makes the land fertile DSC08356](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08356.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![An old tractor for hay rides DSC08357](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08357.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A tractor attachment DSC08358](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08358.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A newer tractor DSC08359](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08359.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A beehive from a nearby farm, behind plastic DSC08360](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08360.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The bees up close. You can buy their honey through the farm DSC08361](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08361.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The old tractor, closer DSC08363](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08363.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The old tractor, closer still DSC08364](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08364.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The old tractor, from behind DSC08365](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08365.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Greens. Maybe mustard greens? DSC08366](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08366.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Rows of greens. No pesticides DSC08367](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08367.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A leaf up close DSC08368](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08368.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Another green. Spinach? DSC08369](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08369.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![I think collard greens, which I ate raw, which was delicious and surprisingly juicy DSC08370](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08370.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A green, closer DSC08371](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08371.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The leaf-forming center DSC08372](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08372.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![More greens, recently partly harvested DSC08373](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08373.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![More greens DSC08374](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08374.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Kale, I'm pretty sure DSC08375](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08375.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Kale, a forest of it DSC08376](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08376.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![More kale DSC08377](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08377.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Something cabbage-like DSC08378](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08378.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Broccoli forming its florets DSC08379](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08379.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Just formed broccoli floret DSC08380](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08380.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Broccoli, closer DSC08381](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08381.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![How could I not taste it? Tasted great, just picked DSC08383](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08383.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Looks like giant spinach leaves DSC08384](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08384.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Forget all that baby spinach. These giant leaves have flavor! DSC08385](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08385.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A forest of spinach DSC08386](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08386.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Chard, which comes in different colors DSC08387](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08387.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![More chard in another color DSC08388](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08388.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Multiple colors of chard DSC08389](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08389.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A fallow field planted with daikon radish as a cover crop for winter and aeration DSC08390](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08390.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Collard. Delicious raw DSC08391](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08391.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The center, where the leaves form DSC08392](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08392.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The center DSC08393](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08393.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The center, closer DSC08394](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08394.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Collard greens, giant leaves DSC08395](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08395.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![They said they planted red cabbage but are getting green plants. To the right are the shoes I ran the marathon in DSC08396](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08396.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![More 'red cabbage' DSC08397](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08397.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Jalepenos! DSC08398](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08398.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Regular green peppers DSC08399](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08399.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A pepper, close DSC08400](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08400.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Habaneros. I didn't taste raw DSC08401](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08401.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Among the best cherry tomatoes I've tasted DSC08402](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08402.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Brussels sprouts on the stalk DSC08403](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08403.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Brussels sprouts, closer DSC08404](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08404.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The barn and new washing building, plus the tent where we ate a potluck lunch DSC08405](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08405.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A white eggplant DSC08406](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08406.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Eggplants nearly ready for picking DSC08407](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08407.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Looks like corn, but actually popcorn DSC08408](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08408.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Rows of corn. They pick it by hand, like everything DSC08409](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08408.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Another fallow field DSC08410](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08410.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A trailer for a tractor that uncovers potatoes, which they dug up for us to pick to take home DSC08411](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08411.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Unearthing more potatoes DSC08412](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08412.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![They had a wild flower garden DSC08413](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08413.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![They let us pick flowers to bring home DSC08414](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08414.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Many bright colors of flowers, most four to six feet high DSC08415](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08415.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![More flowers DSC08416](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08416.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Moer flowers, close DSC08417](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08417.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![A purple flower with an orange one behind it DSC08418](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08418.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![The orange flower with a purple one in front DSC08419](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08419.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
![Sage, ready for harvest. Smelled amazing DSC08420](https://i0.wp.com/joshuaspodek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSC08420.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1)
Or this, showing the full contents of my kitchen—everything I eat:
That’s everything in my kitchen!
The ignorant meat-eater question
So, knowing everything I eat, they ask,
So where do you get your protein?
The answer is right there. This isn’t like I casually mention to someone that I don’t eat meat. I describe exactly what I eat and show them pictures. Not only do they have the answer, there is no other possible answer. There is no other way for me to get any nutrition except what I eat. There it is, in the picture.
It’s like you say to someone “My name is Josh” and they say, “But what is your name?” Or “I speak English” and they say, “Ah, but do you speak English?”
Is ignorant the right word? What do you call it when someone asks what you just told them?
Why does nobody ask, “That’s interesting, it seems my beliefs are inconsistent with reality. Maybe I can learn something here. Can you help me see what I’m missing?”
Or why does no one ask, “I thought you’d die if you didn’t eat more protein. Not only are you not dead, but you run marathons, do more burpees than most, rowed 5,000 meters in under 20 minutes, and so on. Why did I believe something so wrong? How can I fix my understanding?”
Why does no one say, “I’m curious what your nutritional intake was. Since I don’t know, I’ll go research on my own to find out?”
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On initiative, leadership, the environment, and burpees