This is not a post on lentils, necessarily.
If you were expecting an enthusiastic endorsement of this tiny powerhouse of flavour and nutrition, coveted for their ability to transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary creations, this isn't it.
This post is of a more philosophical nature.
But lentils figure highly in this story about the freedom and nature-loving Stoic philosopher, Diogenes.
On seeing the philosopher, Diogenes, eating bread and lentils, fellow philosopher, Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king said,“If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.”Diogenes replied, “Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.”
There is my answer right there, spoke so many years ago.
If you don't want to be subservient to the consumer system, learn to love lentils.
I love lentils.
I really, really love lentils.
And Diogenes.
Happy weekend, people.
Gardening, anyone?
I love lentils. One of my favorite dishes is ummjadara (lentils, rice, and carmelized onions) served with either plain yogurt or a lemony salad. My Dad was born in Palestine (in a village near Safad) in 1944 and in 1949 once they ended up in the refugee camp- this meal literally kept the entire family alive. I love making it for my family on a weekly basis! Happy weekend:-) Best, Nadya
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing and hopeful story of resilience against all odds. Inspiring. Thank you for sharing it here with us.
Delete- Gregg and Linda
I love lentils too. And Diogenes, who also said "Solvitur ambulando (It is solved by walking). Sure is.
ReplyDeleteLove that quote. Thank you.
Delete- Gregg and Linda
Lentils are great, so cheap and versatile. I don't want to be part of any food industry that harms animals or people. Your story about Diogenes reminds me also reminds of the proverbs verse '..(and) the borrower is slave to the lender'. So much wisdom to be gleaned here- both quotes indicate self sufficiency and avoidance of being beholden to anyone else.
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