Neil M. Pine has been primarily vegan for 50 years, starting in 1971, when, after already being vegetarian, he became allergic to dairy. However, since that time, he has learned that dairy products are not only unhealthy, but also represent a cruel and environmentally destructive industry! As a youth he was involved with drawing and painting and won several art contests. He grew up in a Jewish family, but was never religious, always questioning authority and religious dogma. It wasn't till much later in his life that he became seriously involved with writing and publishing.