**Biography of Helen Nearing**:
– Born on February 23, 1904, in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
– Daughter of Frank Knothe, a clothing business owner.
– Grew up in an economically comfortable family of Theosophists.
– Lifelong vegetarian.
– Studied violin internationally and had relationships with Jiddu Krishnamurti and Scott Nearing.
**Organic Farming and Influence**:
– Moved to Brooksville, Maine, in 1952 for organic farming.
– Cultivated blueberries as a cash crop.
– Published ‘Living the Good Life’ in 1954, inspiring the back-to-the-land movement.
– Regarded as the mother of the back-to-the-land movement by Mother Earth News in 1994.
– Continues to influence individuals seeking simpler, rural lifestyles.
**Vegetarianism Advocacy by Helen Nearing**:
– Speaker at World Vegetarian Congress in 1973 and 1975.
– Authored ‘Simple Food for the Good Life’ in 1980.
– Inducted into the Vegetarian Hall of Fame in 1991.
– Known for ultra-simple recipes.
– Still recognized for promoting meatless eating.
**Death and Legacy of Helen Nearing**:
– Passed away in 1995 due to a single-car accident in Harborside, Maine.
– Obituaries were published by The New York Times and NPR’s Living On Earth.
– Maine estate left for The Trust for Public Land.
– Established the Good Life Center to continue the Nearings’ legacy.
– Inspired many to start homesteads.
**Vegetarianism Advocates and Influencers**:
– Historical Figures: Helen Nearing, Scott Nearing, Francis William Newman, Henry Stephens Salt, Ellen G. White.
– Modern Influencers: Nava Atlas, Mayim Bialik, Gypsy Boots, BOSH!, Kathleen Keen Zolber.
– Health Benefits of Vegetarianism: Lower risk of heart disease, reduced risk of certain cancers, better weight management, improved digestion, lower blood pressure.
– Vegetarianism Literature: ‘Behind the Scenes in Slaughter-Houses’, ‘Why I Am a Vegetarian’, ‘Figs or Pigs?’, ‘Shelley’s Vegetarianism’, various cookbooks by chefs and authors.
Helen Knothe Nearing (February 23, 1904 – September 17, 1995) was an American author, advocate of simple living and a lifelong vegetarian.
Helen Knothe Nearing | |
|---|---|
 Nearing in the 1920s | |
| Born | Helen Knothe February 23, 1904 Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | September 17, 1995 (aged 91) Harborside, Maine, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Author, simple living advocate |
| Spouse | Scott Nearing (1947-1983) |