Compassion and Respect for Life: A core aspect of this meaning of life would be to extend empathy and moral consideration to all sentient beings. It would emphasize the belief that animals and fish, as conscious beings capable of suffering, deserve to live without being harmed for human consumption.
Promoting Non-Violence: Non-violence (or "ahimsa" in certain spiritual traditions like Jainism or Hinduism) could become a guiding principle, where causing harm to animals is avoided as part of a broader moral responsibility toward all life forms.
Sustainability and Stewardship: This view would also tie into environmental concerns, as plant-based diets are generally considered more sustainable. By choosing to avoid meat and fish, one would be contributing to the preservation of ecosystems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and lessening resource depletion.
Ethical Choice: This interpretation could argue that with the abundance of plant-based alternatives available today, killing animals for food is no longer a necessity but a choice—and one that we have the power to reject in favor of more ethical options.
Interconnectedness of Life: Another layer to this could be the understanding that all life is interconnected. Reducing harm to animals might also lead to a broader sense of harmony with nature and other beings, enriching one’s own life in the process.
In this sense, the meaning of life becomes about living in harmony with other sentient beings and minimizing suffering by making conscious, ethical choices. If we can survive and flourish without causing harm, then choosing kindness and non-violence becomes a path toward a more compassionate, meaningful life. This perspective would align well with those deeply connected to animal welfare and environmental sustainability^.