"It occurred to me that I just didn't see how I could go ahead and continue to eat meat. It just seemed so... cannibalistic to me. And so, I'm a vegetarian, and I have been ever since"

Alice Paul's quote looks into her individual realization and ethical awakening regarding her dietary options, particularly focusing on her choice to welcome vegetarianism. The declaration highlights a minute of introspection where she juxtaposes the act of consuming meat with the moral weight of cannibalism, suggesting an extensive ethical dispute that eventually changed her way of life.

Through the phrase, "It occurred to me that I just didn't see how I could proceed and continue to eat meat", Paul exposes an epiphany-- an abrupt, insightful realization that challenged her previous lifestyle. This suggests that her decision was not merely based on health or ecological reasons, but stemmed from a deeply personal philosophical or ethical problem.

Making use of the word "cannibalistic" is especially striking. By relating meat intake with cannibalism, Paul makes a strong statement about how she views the act of eating animals. Cannibalism, the act of a species consuming its own kind, is mainly viewed as taboo and ethically repugnant. By invoking this imagery, she draws a parallel between the ethical outrage frequently related to cannibalism and her newfound perception of consuming meat. This choice of language highlights her view of all living beings as interconnected, meaning a belief in intrinsic equality across life types.

Her conclusion, "And so, I'm a vegetarian, and I have been ever since", provides vegetarianism as her solution to this moral dispute. The finality conveyed by "ever since" recommends a strong commitment rooted in this ethical revelation. This choice marks a pivotal change in Paul's life, one driven by a quest for harmony with her values. It reflects the power of conscience and individual integrity in forming action, highlighting how deeply-held beliefs can profoundly affect and redefine one's way of life options. Additionally, Paul's journey may motivate others to reflect on their own choices, highlighting the wider effect of individual ethical introspection.