The Physiology of Taste; Or, Transcendental Gastronomy

“The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of the human race than the discovery of a star.””

— Brillat-Savarin

“To invite people to dine with us is to make ourselves responsible for their well-being for as long as they are under our roofs.””

— Brillat-Savarin

“A man who was fond of wine was offered some grapes at dessert after dinner. "Much obliged," said he, pushing the plate aside; "I am not accustomed to take my wine in pills.””

— Brillat-Savarin

“Animals fill themselves; man eats. The man of mind alone knows how to eat.””

— Brillat-Savarin

“the way in which meals are enjoyed is very important to the happiness of life.6””

— Brillat-Savarin

“1: There are at least six of them:     Sight, which embraces space itself, and tells us by means of light of the existence of the objects which surround us, and of their colors. Hearing, which absorbs through the air the vibrations caused by agreeably resonant or merely noisy bodies. Smell, by means of which we savor all odorous things. Taste, by which we appreciate whatever is palatable or only edible. Touch, by which we are made aware of the surfaces and the textures of objects. Finally physical desire, which draws the two sexes together so that they may procreate.””

— Brillat-Savarin

“Agreeable guests should be sought for among those who have this appearance. They receive all that is offered them, eat slowly, and taste advisedly. They do not seek to leave places too quickly where they have been kindly received. They are always in for all the evening, for they know all games, and all that is neccessary for a gastronomical soiree.   Those, on the contrary, to whom nature has refused a desire for the gratifications of taste, have a long nose and face. Whatever be their statures, the face seems out of order. Their hair is dark and flat, and they have no embonpoint. They invented pantaloons.””

— Brillat-Savarin

“that the table established a kind of alliance between the parties, and made guests more apt to receive certain impressions and submit to certain influences. This was the origin of political gastronomy. Entertainments have become governmental measures, and the fate of nations is decided on in a banquet. This is neither a paradox nor a novelty but a simple observation””

— Brillat-Savarin

“God has subjected man to six great necessities: birth, action, eating, sleep, reproduction and death.””

— Brillat-Savarin