Ancient people made rules for specific reasons.
Middle East found it easier to tell common man don't eat pork because God doesn't like it instead of don't eat pork because it can give you tape worm.
Indian rishis found it easier to tell people cow is holy than to say don't eat beef because live cow is better for you and your family in the long run.
How would they know man would be just as idiotic centuries later and kill on the basis of those instructions?
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