When I behold a fashionable table set out in all its…
“When I behold a fashionable table set out in all its magnificence, I fancy that I see gouts and dropsies, fevers and lethargies, with other innumerable distempers lying in ambuscade among the dishes. Nature delights in the most plain and simple diet. Every animal but man keeps to one dish. Herbs are the food of this species, fish of that, and flesh of a third. Man falls upon everything that comes in his way; not the smallest fruit or excrescence of the earth, scarce a berry or a mushroom can escape him.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Addison critiques elaborate meals, suggesting they mask hidden ailments, while praising simple natural diets for health.
In simple terms: Fancy meals hide health risks; simple foods are healthier.
Key Takeaway
Choose simple, natural foods for better health.
Themes
health
diet
simplicity
nature
excess
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
observational
advice
When to use this quote
- daily meals
- grocery shopping
- health checkups
- food planning
Key Concepts
nutrition
holistic health
dietary choices
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your diet reflect your health priorities?
- What hidden risks might your favorite foods have?
A Different Perspective
Simple diets may lack certain nutrients if not varied.