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
Anthony BourdainRead
I often look ridiculous in Japan. There's really no way to eat in Japan, particularly kaiseki in a traditional ryokan, without offending the Japanese horribly. Every gesture, every movement is just so atrociously wrong, and the more I try, the more hilarious it is.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the cultural differences and challenges one faces while trying to adapt to another's customs.
In this quote, Anthony Bourdain humorously expresses the difficulties and misunderstandings that arise when navigating the intricacies of Japanese dining etiquette, particularly in traditional settings. His experience highlights the inevitable awkwardness that comes with attempting to conform to cultural norms that are foreign to oneself, emphasizing the humor found in these cultural clashes rather than frustration.
Themes
CultureEtiquetteHumorAdaptationAwkwardness
In practice
Example use cases
During a talk on cultural differences in travel.
More from Anthony Bourdain
All quotes →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
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.
Anthony BourdainRead
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.
Anthony BourdainRead
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.
Anthony BourdainRead
I feel that if Jacques Pepin shows you how to make an omelet, the matter is pretty much settled. That's God talking.
Anthony BourdainRead
Similar quotes
I don't have to participate in another culture's ceremonies in order to respect that culture.
Sherman AlexieRead
We Americans are childish about our celebrities and icons. We worship, then we denounce; we identify passionately with them and then, if they do something - anything - we dislike, we cast them off.
Margo JeffersonRead
Just as the natural environment depends on biodiversity, so the human environment depends on cultural diversity, because no one civilization encompasses all the spiritual, ethical and artistic expressions of mankind.
Jonathan SacksRead
A Nation's character is typified by its dancers.
ConfuciusRead
I think people should know more of Africa in terms of its joie de vivre, its feeling for life. In spite of the images that one knows about Africa - the economic poverty, the corruption - there's a joy to living and a happiness in community, living together, in community life, which may be missing here in America.
Youssou N'DourRead
Football is to Texas what religion is to a priest.
Tom LandryRead