Microstory 387: Gourmet Eating

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Extravagance

I don’t get what the big deal is about food. When I tell people that I have a binge-eating disorder, but that I also hate food, they look like they’re about to call the mental institution. Food to me is a chore, especially the preparation of it. Cooking and eating feel so unproductive to me. I look at it this way, my hunger and weakness is a problem, and food solves that problem. Meanwhile, my writing and other work are not solutions to problems. Not having money is a problem, that’s true, but it’s much more nuanced than that, and the expectation of work is so ingrained in our society, that not doing it seems strange. Again, this is my personal perspective, but if I were given the chance to take one pill every day that would give me the energy and nutrients I need, then...well, I would first call the FDA and USDA, but once the necessary safety precautions were cleared, I would so do it. But that’s just me, it really is. Other transhumanists feel similarly, but they still appreciate the taste of a proverbial fine wine, while I don’t. For the rest of you, however, food is just...it’s amazing. You talk about it, and you look into new restaurants, and you try new foods, and you smile. Oh man, that face you get when you eat something you didn’t know you’d love, it’s priceless. I wish I could take a picture of that. Here are two interesting facts about food; not a single civilization has not eventually discovered ways of cooking food, and not a single civilization has not eaten socially. Eating in groups started out as an evolutionarily trait. Not only are tribes safer because of the safety in numbers principle, but it also fosters camaraderie and teamwork. This gives associates an opportunity to study, empathize, and learn from each other so when danger strikes, no words need be spoken. We never got over that, and though I would love nothing more than to not have to eat, I don’t think you should get over it. I don’t think you should stop eating, and I don’t think you should stop enjoying your meals. Just remember that tiny inefficient portions are but a superficial sign of gourmet cooking. True gourmet still contains positive calories.

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