My brain and body and nervous system, they see a plane ride, a long plane trip, as an opportunity to sleep with nothing coming in, nothing to do. I just go offline the minute I'm on the plane.
Anthony BourdainRead
Maybe that’s enlightenment enough: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom...is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go. -Anthony Bourdain
Interpretation
What this quote means
Enlightenment involves understanding the endless journey of knowledge and self-awareness.
In this quote, Anthony Bourdain reflects on the nature of enlightenment and wisdom, asserting that true understanding lies not in achieving a state of ultimate clarity, but in recognizing one's own limitations and the vastness of what remains to be learned. He highlights the humility that comes with acknowledging our smallness in the grand scheme of things, which encourages continuous growth and learning rather than complacency.
Themes
EnlightenmentWisdomHumilityGrowthKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech on personal development, one can share this quote to emphasize the importance of lifelong learning.
More from Anthony Bourdain
All quotes →I'm very proud of the Rome episode of 'No Reservations' because it violated all the conventional wisdom about making television. You're never, ever supposed to do a food or travel show in black and white.
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The notion that before you even set out to go to Thailand, you say, 'I'm not interested,' or you're unwilling to try things that people take so personally and are so proud of and so generous with, I don't understand that, and I think it's rude. You're at Grandma's house, you eat what Grandma serves you.
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If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.
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I feel that if Jacques Pepin shows you how to make an omelet, the matter is pretty much settled. That's God talking.
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The celebrity-chef thing, even at its worst, its most annoying, its silliest, its goofiest, its most egregious and cynical, has been a good thing.
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