Tabooing is the easiest path to moral enslavement. The system of taboos is the most effective way to keep the masses in line. Through taboos, one can make a person constantly reflect on the question, “Am I doing the right thing?” while keeping thoughts about the source of the taboo at the forefront of their mind. There is no religion that does not have taboos. There is no political system that does not have unreasonable and illogical prohibitions and prescriptions. The more skillful the tabooing, the clearer the control. Taboos around food, sex, and other natural needs are what the purveyors of “opium for the people” engage in.
Christians seemingly have no food taboos, but it is important to pray before meals and observe fasting. If you belong to a different faith, you must ensure that your food adheres to its taboos—whether it is kosher, halal, or Vedic. It is no coincidence that the entire vegan film “The Cookbook” is dedicated to moral and ethical education, presenting “recipes” for proper upbringing.
For Christians, defecation is taboo. For Hindus, it is not. For them, it’s “like with little dogs.” But for us, it can only be done in certain places and only with permission. You have to ask for permission. From whom? From the teacher: “May I leave the classroom?” From the waiter: “Where is your restroom?” Why is it acceptable to chew in public, but not to urinate?
In Christianity, sex is also strictly tabooed. The taboo goes like this: “Only with one officially permitted partner, only in a designated space, and only for the purpose of procreation.” Again, in India, this is expressed somewhat less rigidly. The Kama Sutra is proof of that.
In today’s “democratic” society “Privacy” is taboo. According to this taboo, only specially designated authorities can know everything about you, but not your neighbor.
It turns out that if we assume there is some maximum level of taboos that is acceptable for a person without causing an internal rebellion, this level will be evenly distributed among natural needs. You can have sex and relieve yourself in the bushes—go ahead, but you can only eat what you’re told. You can eat whatever you want—then you must have sex and relieve yourself strictly within the bounds of custom. By the way, what about yawning in church or yawning without covering your mouth?
Understanding the reasons and sources of taboos is a path to freedom. But on this journey, there’s no need to create new taboos for yourself. If there’s meat on the plate — that’s fine. If not — even better. It’s really that simple. However, one shouldn’t refuse food based on some lofty moral principles.