Skip to content

Feeding Quote by Daniel Quinn

“One never thinks, “Oh, I’d better look for some food.” Food is everywhere, and one picks it up almost absent-mindedly, as one takes a breath of air. In fact, one does not think of feeding as a distinct activity at all. Rather, it’s like a delicious music that plays in the background of all…” quote by Daniel Quinn
Download Open image
““One never thinks, “Oh, I’d better look for some food.” Food is everywhere, and one picks it up almost absent-mindedly, as one takes a breath of air. In fact, one does not think of feeding as a distinct activity at all. Rather, it’s like a delicious music that plays in the background of all activities throughout the day. In fact, feeding became feeding for me only at the zoo, where twice daily great masses of tasteless fodder were pitched into our cages.””

Daniel Quinn

About This Quote

Source Book: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, 1992

Feeding is an unconscious, constant background activity, not a separate task, especially when food is abundant.

In simple terms: Eating is automatic and backgrounded.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and appreciate everyday nourishment.

Themes

mindfulness habit perception

Mood

contemplative neutral

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • daily meals
  • traveling
  • working
  • relaxing

Key Concepts

autonomy environmental awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does constant availability affect our relationship with food?
  • Can we become more mindful of eating?
A Different Perspective

May overlook nutritional quality when mindless.

2.2 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Daniel Quinn

Explore all 208 Daniel Quinn quotes

More Feeding quotes

Browse all 610 Feeding quotes