It is easy at any moment to surrender a large fortune; to build one up is a difficult and an arduous task.
LivyRead
The army from Asia introduced a foreign luxury to Rome; it was then the meals began to require more dishes and more expenditure . . . the cook, who had up to that time been employed as a slave of low price, become dear: what had been nothing but a metier was elevated to an art.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects how foreign influences transformed local customs and elevated cooking from a simple task to a respected art form.
In this quote, Livy discusses the impact of Asian luxury on Roman culture, specifically how it transformed culinary practices. The introduction of exotic dishes and increased dining expenses not only changed the way food was prepared and consumed but also elevated the status of cooks, who were previously seen as mere slaves. This shift highlights how culture can evolve through external influences, leading to an appreciation of certain professions and the creation of new forms of art.
Themes
CookingArtCultureLuxuryTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a culinary class to emphasize the artistic aspect of cooking.
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