---
title: "THE ALMIGHTY POSSIBILITY - IVU - International Vegetarian Union"
description: "THE ALMIGHTY POSSIBILITY: WOODLAND KAHLER Foreign Secretary of the American Vegetarian Union What do you want to make of your life? But to get a right answer the question has to be right."
url: "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=article&id=3939:congress-wvc57-souvenir-kahler&catid=184"
date: "2026-11-06T00:02:20+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  THE ALMIGHTY POSSIBILITY

 **THE ALMIGHTY POSSIBILITY** WOODLAND KAHLER
 Foreign Secretary of the American Vegetarian Union

![](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/congress/wvc57/souvenir/kahler.jpg)What do you want to make of your life? This is a promising question. But to get a right answer the question has to be right. And in this particular case the question ought to be asked the other way round. That is to say, not what do you want to make of your life; but what does life want to make of you? For just as the oak is written into the acorn, so life has written a plan into each one of its creations. This plan is not something to be imposed from the outside, after you have listened to a lecture or read a book. It is already there inside of you with the first breath you draw. The work which the plan-makers of the 20th century are striving so hard to achieve has already been done with the same incomparable wisdom and skill that put the oak into the acorn. And the best thing for us to do is to learn how to follow life's intention, instead of trying to make fussy little plans of our own which must forever prove painfully inadequate in the face of the unforeseen.

To play a creative role in our own growth, you and I must know what life is seeking to accomplish through us. How are we to know this? Talk will never tell. And neither will the printed page. True knowing is not by means of an ear or an eye. We must be the thing we want to know. It is a matter of identity rather than advertisement. The flower is contained in the seed, not in the seed-catalogue. This fact has been evident for centuries, and yet because we live to-day in an age of unenlightened power, people almost everywhere are making an effort to know one thing by being quite the opposite. Consequently the salvation of you and me depends upon our detachment from prevailing ideas and customs. To know life's plan we must live by it. As long as we live by any other, we shall not be able to realize the almighty possibility which life holds in store for us.

Life's plan affirms that all growth is from an invisible centre toward an external circumference. Rearrnnging facts at the circumference from an egocentric position - suppressing symptoms without removing causes - can only increase the conflict that already exists. "In rain we build the world unless the builder also grows." If he stops growing, the house eventually becomes more important than the man who inhabits it.

Appraisals of property vary from age to age, but the values of life are eternal. In our 20th century, respect for these values has seemingly struck a new low. In the present appraisal a so-called high standard of living outweighs a high standard of thought. And for this reason life's intention has progressively been pushed aside to make room for material goods and services, until the average man to-day would appear to be nothing but an outlet for a chain of super-markets.

It is useless to ask him vital questions. Isolated in the egg of his own ignorance, egotism, and habitually bad behaviour, he is in no position to be interviewed. Before he can hope to give any of the right answers he has to get out of the egg.

How is he to get out? He can blast his way out. He can try to buy his way out with money. Neither of this pair, however, can keep its charlatan promise. For neither is in harmony with the eternal plan. Both hot explosion and cold cash are bright concoctions of the brain; but their brilliance is always followed by darkness greater than before. The mind of man may be a suitable instrument for solving murder mysteries ; it cannot solve the mystery of life. At best it can only help fulfill conditions favourable to enlightenment. The light, itself, must come from a source behind the mind.

In this light, compared to which the sun is less than a candle, man may confidently place his trust. He does not have to wait for hostile nations to agree. He does not have to entreat his own government to pass new laws for his liberation. The order to end his imprisonment has already been written safely within himself where no enemy can intercept it. All man has to do is to obey the law of spiritual evolution and in the fulness of time the shell of egotism will crack open and the darkness will disappear.

Recent findings of archeology and paleontology point to the fact that man lived in health and peace for about eighty three million years, having evolved like the great arboreal apes into a harmless fruitarian free from disease and war. Quite lately - only five or six hundred thousand years ago - man slipped a notch in the scale of evolution and relapsed to the level of the carnivores with whom he is not dietetically linked. This is the truth that pain in the mind and body of the world today is trying to tell us. One of our most faithful friends on earth is pain. But instead of learning the language of our alien friend, we run to familiar charlatans and pay them to stop the voice of pain with drugs and deadening diversions.

After living eighty-three million years according to life's intention as a peaceful member of the world-family, man for a brief moment in history has lost his way. Cut off from his fellow creatures, he pauses in fear at the crossroads looking for a path back to peace. But even now as he stands alone, trembling in the wilderness of the 20th century, the steadfast voice of pain is crying out louder and louder to all mankind : The law of the brute is violence - your law is love. There is no path back to peace, Peace, itself, is the path.

You must be thing you want to know.

(Forum Autumn 1953.)

 | A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly.  Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value.  - Hits: 1007    ###  1957 World Vegetarian Congress   - [1957 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1957-congress-wvc57-index.html) - [1957 World Vegetarian Congress: Souvenir Book](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1957-congress-wvc57-souvenir-index.html)      - [History of IVU](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html)      ###  Vegetarian Congresses: Main Archive   - [Illustrated History of IVU Congresses: 1908-2008](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html) - [1847 England Physiological and Vegetarian Conference](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1847-index.html) - [1850 American Vegetarian Convention](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1850-index.html) - [1890 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1890-index.html) - [1893 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1893-index.html) - [1897 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1897-index.html) - [1900 International Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1900-index.html) - [1908 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc08-index.html) - [1909 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc09-index.html) - [1910 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc10-index.html) - [1926 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc26-index.html) - [1932 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc32-index.html) - [1935 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc35-index.html) - [1938 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc38-index.html) - [1947 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc47-index.html) - [1949 American Vegetarian Convention](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-1949na-index.html) - [1950 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc50-index.html) - [1953 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc53-index.html) - [1955 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc55-index.html) - [1957 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1957-congress-wvc57-index.html) - [1960 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc60-index.html) - [1963 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc63-index.html) - [1965 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc65-index.html) - [1967 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc67-index.html) - [1971 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc71-index.html) - [1973 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc73-index.html) - [1975 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc75-index.html) - [1977 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc77-index.html) - [1979 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc79-index.html) - [1982 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc82-index.html) - [1984 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc84-index.html) - [1994 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc94-index.html) - [1996 World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc96-index.html) - [1999 World Vegetarian Congress: Chiang Mai](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-index.html) - [2000 World Vegetarian Congress: Toronto](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-index.html) - [2002 World Vegetarian Congress: Edinburgh](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-index.html) - [2004 World Vegetarian Congress: Florianopolis](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-index.html) - [2006 World Vegetarian Congress: Goa](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-index.html) - [2008 World Vegetarian Congress: Dresden](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-index.html)      ###  History of Vegetarianism   - [History of IVU](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html)     - [Vegetarian History Timeline](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-timeline-index.html)     - [Museum of Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-museum.html)     - [History of the International Vegetarian Union](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-ivu-index.html)     - [Vegetarian Societies: Historical Directory](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-societies-index.html)     - [World Vegetarian Congress History](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html)     - [Famous Vegetarians: People Directory](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-people-index.html)     - [Vegetarian History Online Library](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-online-library.html)     - [IVU Magazine Archives](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-news-magazine.html)     - [IVU Online News Archive](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-news-online-index.html)     - [Vegetarianism in Ancient Greece and Rome](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-greece-rome-index.html)     - [Ancient India and Eastern Vegetarian Traditions](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-east-index.html)     - [Europe: Middle Ages to the 17th Century](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-renaissance-index.html)     - [England: Early 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-england19a-index.html)     - [Europe: Late 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe19b-index.html)     - [Europe: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20a-index.html)     - [Europe: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20b-index.html)     - [USA: 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-usa19-index.html)     - [North America: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20a-index.html)     - [North America: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20b-index.html)     - [Vegetarian Societies in Africa](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-africa-history.html)     - [Vegetarian Societies in South and West Asia](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-swasia-history.html)     - [Vegetarian Societies in Latin America and the Caribbean](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-societies-latin-america.html)     - [North American Vegetarian Societies and IVU](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-northam-history.html)     - [Music and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-music.html)     - [Creative Writing and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-writers-creative.html)     - [Religion and Vegetarianism Library](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-religion-books.html)     - [Vegetarian Science Library](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-science-library.html)      ###  Vegetarian News and Periodical Archives   - [IVU Magazine Archives](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-news-magazine.html) - [IVU Online News Archive](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-news-online-index.html) - [Interviews with Vegetarian and Vegan Activists](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-news-online-interviews-index.html) - [European Vegetarian Union News Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-news-evu-index.html) - [European Vegetarian News Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-news-europe-archives.html) - [Nigerian Vegetarian News Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-nigeriaveg-newsarchive.html) - [The Vegetarian Newspaper: 1888-1903](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-history-europe19b-the-vegetarian.html) - [The British Vegetarian: 1959-1971](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-history-europe20b-british-vegetarian.html) - [The Vegetarian World Forum Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-news-periodicals-history-world-forum-index.html)      ###  Vegetarian Libraries and Historical Research   - [Vegetarian History Online Library](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-online-library.html) - [Museum of Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-museum.html) - [The Ethics of Diet: Book and Editions](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-williams-index.html) - [Percy Bysshe Shelley: A Monograph](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-shelley-monograph.html) - [The Vegetarian Movement in England: 1847-1981](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-index.html) - [English Vegetarian Movement: Thesis Bibliography](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-bibliography.html) - [Vegetarian Federal Union: 1897 Annual Report](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-vfu-1897-report.html) - [Historical Books on Animal Ethics](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-animals-books.html) - [Religious Vegetarian Books: Historical Library](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-religion-books.html) - [How to Win an Argument with a Meat Eater: Booklet](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-religion-articles-argument.html) - [Historical Books on Vegetarian Science](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-science-library.html) - [Science Council of IVU: Historical Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-science-scivu-index.html)      ###  1990s Regional Congresses and Thailand 1999   - [1999 World Vegetarian Congress: Chiang Mai](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-index.html) - [1999 Thailand Congress: Programme and Abstracts](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-program-index.html) - [1999 Thailand Congress: Participant Profiles](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-profiles-index.html) - [1999 Thailand Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-index-old.html) - [1995 European Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-euro95-index.html) - [1997 European Vegetarian Congress: Bussolengo](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-euro97-index.html) - [1997 India and Far East Regional Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-asia97-index.html)      ###  Vegetarian People, Arts and Culture   - [Famous Vegetarians: People Directory](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-people-index.html) - [Vegetarian Actors in Film and Television](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-actors-index.html) - [Vegetarian Actors in Bollywood](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-actors-bollywood.html) - [European Vegetarian Actors](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-actors-europe.html) - [Vegetarian Television Personalities](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-tv-index.html) - [Vegetarian Radio Personalities](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-radio-index.html) - [Vegetarian Models and Fashion Designers](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-models-index.html) - [Vegetarian Rock and Pop Musicians](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-music-index.html) - [Vegetarian Classical, Jazz, Folk and Country Musicians](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-music-classic.html) - [Vegetarian Punk, Hip-Hop and Reggae Musicians](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-music-punk.html) - [Vegetarian Politicians and Activists](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-politics-index.html) - [Vegetarian Sports Personalities](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-sports-index.html) - [Vegetarian Writers, Artists, Poets and Philosophers](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-writers-index.html) - [Vegetarian Religious Leaders and Mystics](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-writers-religious.html) - [Vegetarian Scientists and Physicians](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-writers-scientists.html) - [Vegetarian Quotations and Poetry](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-people-quotes-index.html) - [Music and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-music.html) - [Classical Music and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-music-classical.html) - [Jazz and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-music-jazz.html) - [Rock and Pop: Bands, Musicians and Timeline](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-music-rock.html) - [Rock and Pop: Historical Directory Version](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-music-all.html) - [Creative Writing and Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-writers-creative.html) - [Creative Writing: Historical Influences Directory](https://ivu.org/hv-people-culture-history-influences.html)      ###  2000 Toronto Congress Archive   - [2000 World Vegetarian Congress: Toronto](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-index.html) - [2000 Toronto Congress: Photo Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-pics-index.html) - [2000 Toronto Congress: Host Association Reports](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-tva-index.html) - [2000 Toronto Congress: Vegetarian About.com Report](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-vac-index.html)      ###  Vegetarian Societies and IVU History   - [History of Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html) - [History of the International Vegetarian Union](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-ivu-index.html) - [Vegetarian Societies: Historical Directory](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-societies-index.html) - [International Vegetarian Meetings Before IVU](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-history-societies-pre-ivu.html) - [Vegetarian Society UK: Historical Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-history-societies-vs.html) - [Vegetarian Societies in the United Kingdom](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-history-societies-united-kingdom.html) - [US Vegetarian Societies: 1837-1908](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-history-societies-usa.html) - [North American Vegetarian Societies and IVU](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-northam-history.html) - [Vegetarian Societies in Latin America and the Caribbean](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-societies-latin-america.html) - [Vegetarian Societies in Africa](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-africa-history.html) - [Vegetarian Societies in South and West Asia](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-swasia-history.html) - [Indian Vegetarian Societies](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-swasia-india-history.html) - [IVU Fellows: Historical Directory](https://ivu.org/hv-societies-ivu-members-council-fellows.html)      ###  Vegetarian History: Timelines and Eras   - [Vegetarian History Timeline](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-timeline-index.html) - [Ancient Vegetarian History Timeline](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-ancient.html) - [Vegetarian History Timeline: 1400-1800](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-pre-1800.html) - [Vegetarian History Timeline: 1800-1888](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-19a.html) - [International Vegetarianism: 1889-1907](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-1900.html) - [IVU and Vegetarianism: Early 20th Century](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-timeline-1908.html) - [Vegetarianism in Ancient Greece and Rome](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-greece-rome-index.html) - [Ancient India and Eastern Vegetarian Traditions](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-east-index.html) - [Asia and Pacific Vegetarian History up to 1900](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-east-index2.html) - [Europe: Middle Ages to the 17th Century](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-renaissance-index.html) - [European Vegetarian History: 18th Century](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-renaissance-europe18.html) - [Food in England Since 1066](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-renaissance-food-england.html) - [England: Early 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-england19a-index.html) - [Europe: Late 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe19b-index.html) - [Europe: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20a-index.html) - [Europe: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-europe20b-index.html) - [North America: 18th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/hv-timelines-eras-history-northam18-index.html) - [USA: 19th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-usa19-index.html) - [North America: Early 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20a-index.html) - [North America: Late 20th-Century Vegetarianism](https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu/hv-general-history-northam20b-index.html)      ###  2008 Dresden Congress Archive   - [2008 World Vegetarian Congress: Dresden](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-index.html) - [2008 Dresden Congress: Lecture Texts](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-texts-index.html) - [Illustrated History of IVU Congresses: 1908-2008](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html) - [2008 Dresden Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2008-congress-2008-index-old.html)      ###  2006 Goa Congress Archive   - [2006 World Vegetarian Congress: Goa](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-index.html) - [2006 Goa Congress: Lecture Texts](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-texts-index.html) - [2006 Goa Congress: Photo Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-jdphotos-index.html)      ###  2004 Brazil Congress Archive   - [2004 World Vegetarian Congress: Florianopolis](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Speakers and Food Demonstrators](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-speakers-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Lectures](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-lectures-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Reports and Comments](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-reports-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Cruelty-Free Fashion Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-photos-fashion-index.html) - [2004 Congress: Rio Grande do Sul Tour Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-photos-postcong1-index.html) - [2004 Brazil Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2004-congress-2004-index-old.html)      ###  Vegan Recipes   - [![VEGAN STEAMED RICELOAF](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th11%2086_b72735d9da9fd1f9c3ce8ac930f96f76.jpg "VEGAN STEAMED RICELOAF")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-steamed-riceloaf.html "VEGAN STEAMED RICELOAF")           ####  [VEGAN STEAMED RICELOAF](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-steamed-riceloaf.html "VEGAN STEAMED RICELOAF")            [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Fake Meats (Tofu etc)](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/fake-meats-tofu-etc.html) [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Rice](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/rice.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html) - [![Greens with Pumpkin Seeds](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/greens-with-pumpkin-seeds-1777771704_ff6670520f0feff4c8999e84ef1aabb3.jpg "Greens with Pumpkin Seeds")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/greens-with-pumpkin-seeds.html "Greens with Pumpkin Seeds")           ####  [Greens with Pumpkin Seeds](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/greens-with-pumpkin-seeds.html "Greens with Pumpkin Seeds")            [Protein Rich](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/proteiin-rich.html) [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Whole Food Plant Based](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/whole-plant-based.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html) [South Africa](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/south-africa.html) - [![VEGAN TOMATO SAUCE MACARONI](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th10%20301_47fabc7d2d4945a5a57e25fc527d83b1.jpg "VEGAN TOMATO SAUCE MACARONI")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-tomato-sauce-macaroni.html "VEGAN TOMATO SAUCE MACARONI")           ####  [VEGAN TOMATO SAUCE MACARONI](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-tomato-sauce-macaroni.html "VEGAN TOMATO SAUCE MACARONI")            [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html) [Stir Fry](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/fake-meats-tofu-etc-2.html)       ###  VFA Blog   - [![Lactose Liberation: Embracing the Vegan Wave with Plant-Based Milks – A Health Revolution in Your Glass](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/almond_milk_jar_443a624aa9f8881a9dae2ddfbd8a5b02.jpg "Lactose Liberation: Embracing the Vegan Wave with Plant-Based Milks – A Health Revolution in Your Glass")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/lactose-liberation-embracing-the-vegan-wave-with-plant-based-milks-a-health-revolution-in-your-glass.html "Lactose Liberation: Embracing the Vegan Wave with Plant-Based Milks – A Health Revolution in Your Glass")           ####  [Lactose Liberation: Embracing the Vegan Wave with Plant-Based Milks – A Health Revolution in Your Glass](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/lactose-liberation-embracing-the-vegan-wave-with-plant-based-milks-a-health-revolution-in-your-glass.html "Lactose Liberation: Embracing the Vegan Wave with Plant-Based Milks – A Health Revolution in Your Glass")                - [Read more](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/lactose-liberation-embracing-the-vegan-wave-with-plant-based-milks-a-health-revolution-in-your-glass.html)       ###  Science   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html)     [ Rapid global phaseout of animal agriculture has the potential to stabilize greenhouse gas levels for 30 years](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html)     [ Animal Agriculture and Climate change a Qualitative holistic note](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html)     [ Environmental Impact of Two Plant Based Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets The Vegan Diet vs the Mediterranean Diet](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) Popular            ###  History     [ ![Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/0f49c89d1e7298bb9930789c8ed59d48.jpg)    Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/283-taiwans-climate-legislation-embraces-plant-based-eating.html "Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating")       [ ![Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/6a9aeddfc689c1d0e3b9ccc3ab651bc5.jpg)    Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/282-chinese-dietary-guidelines-2022-guideline-4-eat-fish-poultry-eggs-and-lean-meat-in-moderation.html "Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation")       [ ![Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/e3796ae838835da0b6f6ea37bcf8bcb7.jpg)    Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/281-reply-to-proposal-no-4748-agriculture-and-water-conservancy-category-no-297-of-the-third-session-of-the-13th-national-committee-of-the-chinese-peoples-political-consultative-conference.html "Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference")                              ###  2002 Edinburgh Congress Archive   - [2002 World Vegetarian Congress: Edinburgh](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Programme](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-program-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Talks and Recipes](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-texts-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Photo Gallery](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-photos-index.html) - [2002 Edinburgh Congress: Jeff's Journal](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-journal-index.html) - [2002 Congress: Edinburgh and Scotland Travel Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2002-congress-2002-scotland-index.html)      - <a href="">Archives by Language </a>     - [Chinese People Archive: Traditional Chinese (Big5)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-index-big5.html)     - [Chinese Writers Archive: Traditional Chinese (Big5)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-writers-index-big5.html)     - [Chinese People Archive: Simplified Chinese (GB)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-index-gb.html)     - [Chinese Writers Archive: Simplified Chinese (GB)](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-chinese-people-writers-index-gb.html)     - [French Famous Vegetarians Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-french-people-index.html)     - [French IVU Magazine Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-french-news-magazine.html)     - [French 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-french-congress-2008-index.html)     - [German IVU Magazine Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-news-magazine.html)     - [German 2008 Congress: Historical Materials](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-congress-2008-index-old.html)     - [German Illustrated IVU Congress History](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-congress-2008-ivuhistory-index.html)     - [German 2008 Dresden Congress Programme](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-german-congress-2008-program.html)     - [Italian Famous Vegetarians Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-people-index.html)     - [Italian IVU Magazine Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-news-magazine.html)     - [Italian 1997 European Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-congress-euro97-index.html)     - [Italian 1999 Thailand Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-congress-thai99-index.html)     - [Italian 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-italian-congress-2008-index.html)     - [Portuguese 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-portuguese-congress-2008-index.html)     - [Spanish Famous Vegetarians Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-people-index.html)     - [Spanish 1999 Thailand Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-congress-thai99-index.html)     - [Spanish 1999 Thailand Congress Programme](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-congress-thai99-program-program.html)     - [Spanish 2008 Dresden Congress Archive](https://ivu.org/hv-language-archives-group/hv-language-archives-spanish-congress-2008-index.html)        ###  Download the Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet for Kids and Adolescents   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)     [ vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Popular               7676 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html)     [ Booklet IVU portugues web](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) Popular               7319 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html)     [ Nutrition Guide for Students (with Khmer Translation)](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) Popular               6052 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html)     [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular               5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html)     [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular               5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html)     [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular               4558 downloads            ###  Nutrition   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html)     [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular               603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html)     [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular               2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html)     [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular               3834 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html)     [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular               4052 downloads                                ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults  In 2 versions:  - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html)    [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html)         ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents  The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet    [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)                 Vegan Nutrition            ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png)               ### Presidents, Chair and Council  - [IVU President and Chair of the International Council](https://ivu.org/ivu-chair.html) - [IVU Honorary President](https://ivu.org/ivu-honorary-president.html) - [International Council](https://ivu.org/international-council.html)       ### Departments  - [Fund-raising](https://ivu.org/fund-raising.html) - [Global Health](https://ivu.org/global-health-department.html) - [Medicine and Nutrition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/medicine-and-nutrition.html) - [Policy Initiatives](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives.html)     - [Articles](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives/policies-iniciatives-articles.html)       ### Regions  - [Europe](https://ivu.org/europe-union.html) - [Latin America](https://ivu.org/latin-america.html) - [North America](https://ivu.org/north-america.html) - [Africa](https://ivu.org/africa-continent.html) - [Asia-Pacific](https://ivu.org/asia-pacific-region.html) - [Asia-South & India](https://ivu.org/asia-south-west.html) - [Asia-West & Middle East](https://ivu.org/asia-west-middle-east.html) - [Contacts](https://ivu.org/contact-ivu.html)       ### Blogs  - [Cynthia Schuck](https://ivu.org/cynthia-schuck.html) - [John Davis](https://ivu.org/john-davis.html) - [Marly Winckler](https://ivu.org/marly-winckler.html) - [Vegan Food Academy](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page.html) - [Login](https://ivu.org/login-2.html)

## Schema

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=article&id=3939:congress-wvc57-souvenir-kahler&catid=184","url":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=article&id=3939:congress-wvc57-souvenir-kahler&catid=184","name":"THE ALMIGHTY POSSIBILITY","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":[{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#archive"},{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=article&id=4395:members-council-woodland-kahler&catid=208"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/#organization"},"description":"THE ALMIGHTY POSSIBILITY WOODLAND KAHLER Foreign Secretary of the American Vegetarian Union What do you want to make of your life? This is a promising question.","about":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/#/schema/person/woodland-kahler"}}]}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://ivu.org"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 2,
            "name": "History of IVU",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 3,
            "name": "History of the Vegetarian Societies",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=category&id=46"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 4,
            "name": "congress",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=category&id=83"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 5,
            "name": "wvc57",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=category&id=183"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 6,
            "name": "souvenir",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html?view=category&id=184"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 7,
            "name": "THE ALMIGHTY POSSIBILITY",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html"
    },
    "headline": "THE ALMIGHTY POSSIBILITY",
    "description": "THE ALMIGHTY POSSIBILITY: WOODLAND KAHLER Foreign Secretary of the American Vegetarian Union What do you want to make of your life? But to get a right answer the question has to be right.",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "International Vegetarian Union",
        "logo": {
            "@type": "ImageObject",
            "url": "https://ivu.org/images/logos/logo-ivu-tranparent-background.png"
        }
    },
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Alex Fernandes",
        "url": "https://ivu.org/international-council.html"
    },
    "datePublished": "2026-06-30T23:45:26+00:00",
    "dateCreated": "2026-06-25T00:14:42+00:00",
    "dateModified": "2026-10-08T00:52:43+00:00"
}
```