My most recent adventure may not, at least initially, seem all that much like an adventure to some of you. I had the privilege of attending a wonderful lecture at U Penn the other night. I know, I know. But the topic--Philosophy and Food--is something that pretty much anyone can relate to, if not appreciate. Philosophy and food are two of my favorite things in the world, so when my friend Jess told me about the talk, it was a pretty easy decision.
The lecturer, holistic health coach and master whole-foods chef, Katherine Miller, has always had an interest in food, nutrition, travel, and people. She began her talk with a nod to the Epicurean school of philosophy. I'll be brief for the non-philosophers reading this post: What modern individuals often classify as "epicurean" involves a search for simple, yet deep, pleasure, with little to no negative repercussions. The capital-E Epicureans of Ancient Greece were a little more intense, but the same basic goal of pleasure holds constant. Unlike Hedonists, however, the Epicureans took a more moderated approach to pleasure-seeking.
In Katherine's lecture, she used the phrase "ripples of multi-demensional pleasure" to describe her approach to holistic living. She explained that she strives to preserve deeper pleasure in her life, which often involves sacrificing smaller pleasures. This mindset requires a great deal of self-awareness. We should always be asking ourselves, What do I value most?
Katherine used the example of wine, something she enjoys a great deal. She explained that although she gains pleasure from smelling, tasting, and feeling the relaxing effects of wine, she moderates so as not to sacrifice the greater, deeper pleasure of waking up the next morning feeling refreshed, energized, and clear-headed. Consider the quality of the gasoline you use to fill up your car. While you may pay more for premium, your car is generally better off. And while is feels good to save money on gas, the long-term cost to your car's engine might outweigh the short-term cost of quality fuel.
Katherine went on to express her distaste for an overly-regimented, "puritan" food philosophy, which focuses way too much on denial--a big list of nutritional "dos" and "don'ts." In Katherine's approach, longevity is key. So while she sticks to a primarily vegan diet, she's not going to travel to Rome and not enjoy a steaming plate of hand-rolled spaghetti with a glass of red wine. Who does that?
As Katherine continued to share some of the wisdom she has gained from her food journey, I began to develop some of my own thoughts surrounding the role philosophy plays in our daily dealings with food. Food is such an integral part of life, so it makes sense that it would serve as the perfect analogy for every individual's pursuit of what philosophers refer to as "the good life," or "eudaimonia." The concept, first proposed by Aristotle, is, to use modern terms, happiness, purpose, or fulfillment in life.
Our relationship with food often serves as a strong indicator of our interpretation of what "the good" truly is for us. The philosophical assertion is that there is only one "good," which everyone wants, but we all have very different perceptions and opinions concerning how to reach a good that is robust, fulfilling, and lasting.
Some helpful tips Katherine offered for cultivating a healthy, happy "food life" involve the daily choices we make. She gave the example of swapping a white potato for a sweet potato--for many, a small trade-off with a greater return of benefits, which include essential vitamins and minerals. She also suggests being firm and confident in your food choices, not making excuses, and keeping your eyes on your own plate (who cares what your friends are eating?). Food, like philosophy, is such a personal thing, so while it makes sense to share helpful tips and delicious recipes with others, it can be downright repellent to try to shove your beliefs (literally and metaphorically) down someone's throat.
I hope this has provided some food for thought. I certainly walked away with a deeper awareness that I hope stays with me for the rest of my life.
Learn more about Katherine and her awesome company, Kosmic Kitchen HERE!
