---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is very strange, this domination of…"
description: "\"“It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictate..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3b/jerome-k-jerome-1155_cup-of-tea_it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-ou_1065579.png"
---

#  It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by…

![“It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictates to us our emotions, our passions. After eggs and bacon it says, &quot;Work!&quot; After beefsteak and porter, it says, &quot;Sleep!&quot; After a cup of tea (two…” quote by Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3b/jerome-k-jerome-1155_cup-of-tea_it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-ou_1065579.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3b/jerome-k-jerome-1155_cup-of-tea_it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-ou_1065579.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3b/jerome-k-jerome-1155_cup-of-tea_it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-ou_1065579.png)

> ““It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictates to us our emotions, our passions. After eggs and bacon it says, "Work!" After beefsteak and porter, it says, "Sleep!" After a cup of tea (two spoonfuls for each cup, and don't let it stand for more than three minutes), it says to the brain, "Now rise, and show your strength. Be eloquent, and deep, and tender; see, with a clear eye, into Nature, and into life: spread your white wings of quivering thought, and soar, a god-like spirit, over the whirling world beneath you, up through long lanes of flaming stars to the gates of eternity!””

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

## About This Quote

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

Our physical needs dominate mental activity; hunger and drink dictate work, sleep, and creativity, showing how bodily states shape thoughts and emotions.

**In simple terms:** Body controls mind; food and drink drive our actions and ideas.

Key Takeaway

Manage diet to support mental clarity and productivity.

Themes

physiology mind-body habits productivity

Mood

reflective analytical thoughtful

Type

aphilosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- daily work
- creative writing
- exercise planning
- stress management
- sleep hygiene

Key Concepts

homeostasis motivation cognitive function

Questions to Reflect On

- How does your last meal affect your focus?
- What dietary changes could improve your creative flow?

A Different Perspective

If physical cravings are ignored, mental performance may still suffer.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Cup of tea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cup-of-tea/) [Domination Intellect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/domination-intellect-1339632/) [Humour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humour/) [Intellect Digestive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intellect-digestive-1339631/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Says Brain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/says-brain-968984/) [Sleep](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sleep/) [Think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/think/) [Thought](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thought/)

## Related quotes

> [It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-our-intellect-by-our-digestive-3/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [After a cup of tea (two spoonsful for each cup, and don't let it stand more than three minutes,) it says to the brain,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/after-a-cup-of-tea-two-spoonsful-for-each-cup-and-don-t-let-it-stand/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-our-intellect-by-our-digestive-2/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [The heart says what the brain won't.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-heart-says-what-the-brain-won-t/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“A Natural History of the Senses, author Diane Ackerman says, “The brain is a good stagehand. It gets on with its work while we’re…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gavin-de-becker/a-natural-history-of-the-senses-author-diane-ackerman-says-the-brain/)

[Gavin de Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gavin-de-becker/)

> [“Achieve everything and fail at the rest”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benny-bellamacina/achieve-everything-and-fail-at-the-rest/)

[Benny Bellamacina](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benny-bellamacina/)

> [My final word, before I'm done, Is "Cancer can be rather fun"- Provided one confronts the tumour with a sufficient sense of humour. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-b-s-haldane/my-final-word-before-i-m-done-is-cancer-can-be-rather-fun-provided/)

[John B. S. Haldane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-b-s-haldane/)

> [“I keep collecting books I know I'll never, never read; My wife and daughter tell me so, And yet I never heed. "Please make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-w-service/i-keep-collecting-books-i-know-i-ll-never-never-read-my-wife-and/)

[Robert W. Service](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-w-service/)

> [“There were few things Dr. Chef enjoyed more than a cup of tea. He made tea for the crew every day at breakfast time,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/becky-chambers/there-were-few-things-dr-chef-enjoyed-more-than-a-cup-of-tea-he-made/)

[Becky Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/becky-chambers/)

> [If someone says, hey, you know, this long weekend, let's go skydiving - I would say, no, are you nuts? I'd just as soon…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-mercer/if-someone-says-hey-you-know-this-long-weekend-let-s-go-skydiving-i/)

[Rick Mercer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-mercer/)

> [I'm not your usual cup of tea.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralphie-may/i-m-not-your-usual-cup-of-tea/)

[Ralphie May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralphie-may/)

> [I can't live without my cup of tea. When I was a judge on 'America's Next Top Model,' they had to put me in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/twiggy/i-can-t-live-without-my-cup-of-tea-when-i-was-a-judge-on-america-s/)

[Twiggy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/twiggy/)

> [“Sample Daily Plan: Begin your morning with hydration – think green tea and water. Also, make a breakfast that has lean proteins and don’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jenny-allan/sample-daily-plan-begin-your-morning-with-hydration-think-green-tea/)

[Jenny Allan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jenny-allan/)

> [I put hibiscus flower in every cup of tea I have. It's sweet, sexy, and cleansing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario-batali/i-put-hibiscus-flower-in-every-cup-of-tea-i-have-it-s-sweet-sexy-and/)

[Mario Batali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mario-batali/)

> [Our friendship is like a cup of tea¦a special blend of you and me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orebela-gbenga/our-friendship-is-like-a-cup-of-tea-a-special-blend-of-you-and-me/)

[Orebela Gbenga](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orebela-gbenga/)

## More by Jerome K. Jerome

> [“George goes to sleep at a bank from ten to four each day, except Saturdays, when they wake him up and put him outside…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/george-goes-to-sleep-at-a-bank-from-ten-to-four-each-day-except/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [“He would use a bit of string this time, and at the critical moment, when the old fool was leaning over the chair at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/he-would-use-a-bit-of-string-this-time-and-at-the-critical-moment/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [Some people are under the impression that all that is required to make a good fisherman is the ability to tell lies easily and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/some-people-are-under-the-impression-that-all-that-is-required-to/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [It is easy enough to say that poverty is no crime. No; if it were men wouldn't be ashamed of it. It is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-easy-enough-to-say-that-poverty-is-no-crime-no-if-it-were-men/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [Love is woman's business,and in "business" we all lay aside our natural weaknesses.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/love-is-woman-s-business-and-in-business-we-all-lay-aside-our-natural/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [We are but the veriest, sorriest slaves of our stomach. Reach not after morality and righteousness, my friends; watch vigilantly your stomach, and diet…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/we-are-but-the-veriest-sorriest-slaves-of-our-stomach-reach-not-after/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [“There was no ground-floor — its ground-floor belonged to a house in the next court, and the front door opened direct upon a flight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/there-was-no-ground-floor-its-ground-floor-belonged-to-a-house-in-the/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [“I can understand the ignorant masses loving to soak themselves in drink—oh, yes, it's very shocking that they should, of course—very shocking to us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/i-can-understand-the-ignorant-masses-loving-to-soak-themselves-in/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [ They \[dogs\] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/they-dogs-never-talk-about-themselves-but-listen-to-you-while-you/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [“And we sit there, by its margin, while the moon, who loves it too, stoops down to kiss it with a sister’s kiss, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/and-we-sit-there-by-its-margin-while-the-moon-who-loves-it-too-stoops/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [“The only feeling that a closer intimacy has created in him for his wife is that of indulgent contempt. As there is no equality…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/the-only-feeling-that-a-closer-intimacy-has-created-in-him-for-his/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [Evil thought is a dangerous pet. It is safer to play with it from behind the iron bars of circumstance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/evil-thought-is-a-dangerous-pet-it-is-safer-to-play-with-it-from/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [If you are foolish enough to be contented, don't show it, but grumble with the rest; and if you can do with a little,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/if-you-are-foolish-enough-to-be-contented-don-t-show-it-but-grumble/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [Life will always remain a gamble, with prizes sometimes for the imprudent, and blanks so often to the wise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/life-will-always-remain-a-gamble-with-prizes-sometimes-for-the/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

> [“You can never rouse Harris. There is no poetry about Harris- no wild yearning for the unattainable. Harris never "weeps, he knows not why."…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/you-can-never-rouse-harris-there-is-no-poetry-about-harris-no-wild/)

[Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

[Explore all 267 Jerome K. Jerome quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/)

## More Cup of tea quotes

> [Our friendship is like a cup of tea¦a special blend of you and me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orebela-gbenga/our-friendship-is-like-a-cup-of-tea-a-special-blend-of-you-and-me/)

[Orebela Gbenga](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orebela-gbenga/)

> [I put hibiscus flower in every cup of tea I have. It's sweet, sexy, and cleansing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario-batali/i-put-hibiscus-flower-in-every-cup-of-tea-i-have-it-s-sweet-sexy-and/)

[Mario Batali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mario-batali/)

> [“Sample Daily Plan: Begin your morning with hydration – think green tea and water. Also, make a breakfast that has lean proteins and don’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jenny-allan/sample-daily-plan-begin-your-morning-with-hydration-think-green-tea/)

[Jenny Allan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jenny-allan/)

> [I can't live without my cup of tea. When I was a judge on 'America's Next Top Model,' they had to put me in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/twiggy/i-can-t-live-without-my-cup-of-tea-when-i-was-a-judge-on-america-s/)

[Twiggy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/twiggy/)

> [I'm not your usual cup of tea.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralphie-may/i-m-not-your-usual-cup-of-tea/)

[Ralphie May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralphie-may/)

> [If someone says, hey, you know, this long weekend, let's go skydiving - I would say, no, are you nuts? I'd just as soon…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-mercer/if-someone-says-hey-you-know-this-long-weekend-let-s-go-skydiving-i/)

[Rick Mercer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-mercer/)

> [“There were few things Dr. Chef enjoyed more than a cup of tea. He made tea for the crew every day at breakfast time,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/becky-chambers/there-were-few-things-dr-chef-enjoyed-more-than-a-cup-of-tea-he-made/)

[Becky Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/becky-chambers/)

> [“I keep collecting books I know I'll never, never read; My wife and daughter tell me so, And yet I never heed. "Please make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-w-service/i-keep-collecting-books-i-know-i-ll-never-never-read-my-wife-and/)

[Robert W. Service](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-w-service/)

> [“From somewhere above me, there was an irritated hiss. ‘Food.’ I strained my head upwards. ‘Hi, Brutus.’ His yellow eyes stared down at me,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-harper/from-somewhere-above-me-there-was-an-irritated-hiss-food-i-strained/)

[Helen Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-harper/)

> [I do have one very brutal writing ritual. If I'm working in the morning, I don't allow myself a cup of tea until I've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-lane/i-do-have-one-very-brutal-writing-ritual-if-i-m-working-in-the/)

[Anthony Lane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-lane/)

> [Love, sex, food, friendship, art, play, beauty and the simple pleasure of a cup of tea are all well and good, but never forget…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-lorre/love-sex-food-friendship-art-play-beauty-and-the-simple-pleasure-of-a/)

[Chuck Lorre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-lorre/)

> ['Whatever it takes' is my opinion of method acting and, indeed, any other kind of acting. Look at Brando and De Niro. But it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-holm/whatever-it-takes-is-my-opinion-of-method-acting-and-indeed-any-other/)

[Ian Holm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-holm/)

> [May you get more out of life than a cup of tea.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rebecca-st-james/may-you-get-more-out-of-life-than-a-cup-of-tea/)

[Rebecca St. James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rebecca-st-james/)

> [I want a cup of tea but my maid gave me a warm hot cocoa instead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barbie-girl/i-want-a-cup-of-tea-but-my-maid-gave-me-a-warm-hot-cocoa-instead/)

[Barbie Girl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbie-girl/)

> [The joy of life is born of concentration. When you are having a cup of tea, the value of that experience depends on your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nhat-hanh/the-joy-of-life-is-born-of-concentration-when-you-are-having-a-cup-of/)

[Nhat Hanh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nhat-hanh/)

[Browse all 495 Cup of tea quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cup-of-tea/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "“It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictates to us our emotions, our passions. After eggs and bacon it says, \"Work!\" After beefsteak and porter, it says, \"Sleep!\" After a cup of tea (two spoonfuls for each cup, and don't let it stand for more than three minutes), it says to the brain, \"Now rise, and show your strength. Be eloquent, and deep, and tender; see, with a clear eye, into Nature, and into life: spread your white wings of quivering thought, and soar, a god-like spirit, over the whirling world beneath you, up through long lanes of flaming stars to the gates of eternity!”",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Jerome K. Jerome"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-our-intellect-by-our-digestive/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Cup of tea"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-our-intellect-by-our-digestive/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3b/jerome-k-jerome-1155_cup-of-tea_it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-ou_1065579.png",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3b/jerome-k-jerome-1155_cup-of-tea_it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-ou_1065579.png",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3b/jerome-k-jerome-1155_cup-of-tea_it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-ou_1065579.png",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot…” — Jerome K. Jerome",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Jerome K. Jerome",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "“It is very strange, this domination...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-our-intellect-by-our-digestive/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-very-strange-this-domination-of-our-intellect-by-our-digestive/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
