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For one who thinks food in itself is the source of life…

“For one who thinks food in itself is the source of life, eating is the communion with the dying world, it is communion with death. Food itself is dead, it is life that has died and it must be kept in refrigerators like a corpse.” quote by Alexander Schmemann
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“For one who thinks food in itself is the source of life, eating is the communion with the dying world, it is communion with death. Food itself is dead, it is life that has died and it must be kept in refrigerators like a corpse.”

Alexander Schmemann

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote frames food as dead matter, equating consumption with a ritual that acknowledges death, suggesting that preserving food is like keeping a corpse.

In simple terms: Eating is a ritual with death; food is dead and stored like a corpse.

Key Takeaway

Respect the life cycle of what you consume.

Themes

food death ritual life philosophy

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

existential cultural

When to use this quote

  • cooking
  • nutrition education
  • planning
  • environmental sustainability
  • cultural studies

Key Concepts

existentialism ecology anthropology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view change your relationship with food?
  • What balance can be struck between reverence and enjoyment?
A Different Perspective

It may neglect the vitality and nourishment food provides when prepared and shared.

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