Cafeteria Quote by A. J. Jacobs
“I'm all for cafeteria religion. I think there's nothing wrong with cafeterias - I've had some great meals at cafeterias. I've also had some horrible meals, so it's important to pick the right things. Take a heaping helping of compassion and mercy, and leave the intolerance on the table.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Book of Joy”, 2016
The speaker uses cafeteria metaphor to discuss religious tolerance, advocating compassion and rejecting intolerance.
In simple terms: Treat faith like a cafeteria: choose good meals, leave intolerance behind.
Key Takeaway
Practice compassion, discard prejudice.
Themes
tolerance
compassion
religion
choice
Mood
hopeful
thoughtful
Type
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- community building
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
ethics
social philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster genuine interfaith respect?
- What does “intolerance on the table” mean for daily life?
A Different Perspective
Metaphors may oversimplify complex beliefs.
![“How do you gag the voice in your head that says, 'You don't have to [do it] today. There's always tomorrow.'?” quote by A. J. Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e66/a-j-jacobs-2-13695_gags_how-do-you-gag-the-voice-in-your-head-th_513635.jpg)
