Being there Quote by Plutarch
“A human body in no way resembles those that were born for ravenousness; it hath no hawk's bill, no sharp talon, no roughness of teeth, no such strength of stomach or heat of digestion, as can be sufficient to convert or alter such heavy and fleshy fare . . . There is nobody that is willing to eat even a lifeless and a dead thing even as it is; so they boil it, and roast it, and alter it by fire and medicines, as it were, changing and quenching the slaughtered gore with thousands of sweet sauces, that the palate being thereby deceived may admit of such uncouth fare.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moralia, On the Nature of Man, 1st century AD
Human bodies are unsuited for consuming raw or dead flesh; culinary practices disguise this.
In simple terms: People need cooked food; raw meat is repulsive.
Key Takeaway
Respect natural dietary limits.
Themes
food
culture
biology
taboos
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- cooking
- food safety
- cultural cuisine
- ethical eating
Key Concepts
culinary art
human physiology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural dishes influence our perception of food?
A Different Perspective
Modern processed foods may mask health risks.
