Once learnt, this business of cooking was to prove an ever…
“Once learnt, this business of cooking was to prove an ever growing burden. It scarcely bears thinking about, the time and labour that man and womankind has devoted to the preparation of dishes that are to melt and vanish in a moment like smoke or a dream, like a shadow, and as a post that hastes by, and the air closes behind them, afterwards no sign where they went is to be found.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Cooking is a fleeting, labor‑intensive art that disappears quickly, reflecting life's transience.
In simple terms: Food preparation is temporary and demanding.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the effort behind everyday meals.
Themes
transience
labor
ephemerality
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- home cooking
- restaurant kitchens
- cultural food rituals
Key Concepts
culinary arts
philosophy of impermanence
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the act of cooking reveal about our values?
- How can we honor the effort behind fleeting moments?
A Different Perspective
The focus on labor may overlook joy and cultural significance.