Vegetarianism is a link to perfection and peace.

Attributed to River Phoenix, the line frames vegetarianism not merely as a dietary preference but as an ethical practice aimed at inner and outer harmony. Calling it a “link” suggests a step on a larger path: abstaining from harming animals is presented as a concrete, daily discipline that can cultivate compassion, reduce violence, and align one’s actions with ideals of non‑harm. “Perfection” reads less as flawlessness than as moral refinement—becoming more consistent with one’s values—while “peace” implies both personal tranquility (less cognitive dissonance) and a hoped-for social peace grounded in empathy. The quote’s significance lies in its moral-spiritual register rather than nutritional argument.