Acharya Prashant explains that man has a tendency to further his self-interests, which are based on a narrow definition of the self. When man defines himself narrowly—by his physical body, gender, religion, or community—he creates a division between himself and the 'other.' This 'other' is then seen as material to be exploited for his own gratification, meriting no compassion or consideration. This logic extends to how humans view other species. Man, or Homo sapiens, sees other species as existing solely for his sake, which leads to their exploitation. This worldview, the speaker asserts, is the very antithesis of spirituality. Spirituality is about broadening the ego's boundaries and dissolving the narrow self. Therefore, spirituality is deeply resonant with veganism. Given the current unprecedented biodiversity loss and species extinction caused by man's flawed self-concept, the speaker states it is impossible to be truly spiritual without being vegan. The quest for liberation from the narrow ego is intertwined with compassion for the larger world, which includes all flora, fauna, and the environment. Addressing cultural and religious arguments, particularly in the Indian context, the speaker notes that practices like the reverence for milk and its association with Shri Krishna are time-dependent. The essence of religion—liberation from the suffering caused by a narrow ego—is timeless. He clarifies that the essence of Shri Krishna is found in the Bhagavad Gita, which does not recommend milk consumption, rather than in folklore about his love for butter. These stories are peripheral, not the core teaching. The speaker also refutes the idea that a vegan diet is nutritionally deficient or expensive, citing top athletes who thrive on it. He explains the economic link between the dairy and meat industries, where the same animals used for milk are eventually slaughtered for meat, making milk consumers complicit. He argues that if milk consumption were to cease, the economic incentive for beef production would drastically decrease. The best way to love the cow, he suggests, is to stop drinking her milk and let her be free. Finally, he addresses the notion of human superiority due to higher consciousness. He argues this superiority brings the responsibility to rise above animalistic tendencies, such as killing for food. If humans act like animals, they are worse, as they have the potential to choose differently. The fundamental solution, he concludes, is self-inquiry and an education system that addresses the inner life, the mind, and its desires, which is the most important issue to tackle.