From Schnitzel to Schopenhauer: My Journey with Food and Philosophy

Welcome to my food blog, where we embark on a delectable journey through the rich tapestry of Germanic cuisines. Join me as we explore the flavors, traditions, and cultural significance behind these culinary delights. From the hearty sausages of Germany to the delicate pastries of Austria and the savory delights of Switzerland, each dish tells a story of its own. Through these mouthwatering recipes, I will share not only my love for these Germanic cuisines but also delve into how they symbolize various theories, academic concepts, and life lessons. Get ready to savor the taste of knowledge and indulge in the wonders of gastronomy. Let's dive in!..... Now, if you were expecting the typical start to a food blog often seen from some, let's say, uninspired millennials with too much time on their hands, you won't find it here (but please stay... I beg you!!!).

Just as every cuisine has its own story to tell, so does my journey with food. Growing up in a challenging family environment, I found solace in the comfort of food. This unhealthy relationship led me down a path of excessive eating, resulting in morbid obesity (110 kilograms at the age of 15). The negative impact on my self-esteem was further compounded by relentless bullying. However, life has a way of presenting lessons in unexpected ways. As I hit rock bottom, I realized that I needed to take control of my life. This marked the beginning of my battle with anorexia, a journey that taught me the importance of self-care, self-acceptance, and the delicate balance between nourishing the body and nurturing the soul. Amidst the chaos and struggles, I discovered the therapeutic power of cooking. It became more than just a hobby; it became my sanctuary. The kitchen became a place where I could channel my emotions, express my creativity, and find solace in the simplicity of preparing a meal. As I delved deeper into the culinary world, I found myself drawn to kitchen gardening and raising chickens, embracing a sustainable approach to food production and connecting with nature. (Fun fact: One of my fondest memories is sitting with my siblings, watching episodes of 'MasterChef.' It was a bonding experience that brought us together, sparking our shared love and curiosity for cooking. The show not only entertained us but also inspired us to experiment with flavors, techniques, and presentations in our kitchen. It became a catalyst for creativity and deepened our sibling bond). Enough with the emotions, I am foremost a man of science and love to read. One of the things I enjoy is becoming a detective of sorts by making connections between seemingly unrelated things. So, one of the reasons that food and cooking intrigue and fascinate me is that it has been around all our lives, even before we were born – we were being served nutrition by our mothers. Food has always been an integral part of our lives, nourishing our bodies and satisfying our souls. Yet, its profound connection to knowledge and personal growth often goes unnoticed. I often think that instead of looking at the stars, we ought to look at our palates.

Food, as a source of pleasure, mirrors the complexities of life. The Hedonistic Utilitarianism of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. This theory holds that the moral value of an action depends on how much pleasure or happiness it produces for the greatest number of people. Food can be seen as a simple and effective way to increase the happiness of oneself and others, as it caters to all your niches, moods, and preferences. However, this theory also faces some challenges, such as how to measure and compare different kinds of pleasures, how to balance short-term and long-term happiness, and how to avoid harming others or oneself by overindulging (flashbacks of me not being able to play any sports and being bullied) in food. I realize the challenges that arise from overindulgence and the need to balance short-term and long-term happiness. Food also teaches us economics, specifically the law of diminishing marginal utility. This law states that as a person consumes more of a good or service, the additional satisfaction or utility they gain from each additional unit decreases. Through the lens of food, we witness the joy of the first bite after a day of starvation and exertion, followed by diminishing satisfaction with subsequent bites. This law not only helps us comprehend consumer behavior and demand curves but also guides us in our daily lives to understand optimal consumption choices, allowing us to satiate our mind, body, and soul. A life lesson that can be learned from food is the importance of diversity and creativity. Food is versatile and adaptable. Different cuisines can be made with different flavors, ingredients, spices, etc. They can also be customized to suit different occasions, preferences, and dietary needs. Food shows us that there is no one right way to make or enjoy it and that we can always experiment with new combinations and possibilities. This lesson can inspire us to embrace diversity and creativity in ourselves and others and to appreciate the beauty and variety of life. As we conclude this gastronomic odyssey, I invite you to embark on your journey with food. Explore the flavors and traditions of Germanic cuisines, extract the wisdom they hold, and savor the transformative power of food in your own life. Let us remember that just as knowledge can shape our understanding of the world, food has the power to nourish our bodies, ignite our senses, and bring people together. So, let us raise our glasses and toast to the wonders that lie within Germanic cuisines and the endless possibilities that await us at the dining table. Cheers to a life enriched by the flavors, traditions, and lessons that food offers!

Peace Out