Thanks for the article about author and animal-rights activist Dan Mathews (“Dressing the Part,” Arts & Culture, March 12). Part of the reason I like his book is because he so clearly shows that working to bring about positive change in our society doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life.

Mathews is working to reduce the abuse of animals on intensive farms, in laboratories and in circuses — nightmarish issues that some people would rather not know about. But we should learn about these problems so we can fix them.

Anyone can stand to add some compassion to their daily lives, whether it’s by buying shampoo that hasn’t been tested on animals or choosing a vegetarian burger instead of the meaty variation. Mathews shows you don’t have to be a martyr to act with kindness.

Anna West
Richmond