One should eat to live, not live to eat- by Benjamin Franklin (Expansion of Idea)

One should eat to live, not live to eat- by Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin once said, "One should eat to live, not live to eat." This means it's important to have a balanced and moderate approach to food and eating habits. We should view food as a way to stay healthy and feel good, instead of eating too much or unhealthy food just for pleasure. By focusing on our health, we can make better choices about what we eat.

We should think of food as a way to nourish our bodies and get the necessary nutrients. Our goal should be to keep our bodies healthy by getting enough vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential elements. 

Literally, this phrase emphasises the necessity to regard food as fuel to sustain life rather than the centre around which one's life revolves. Food should act as a necessary tool for survival, not an obsessive pleasure that dominates our existence. Symbolically, it imparts a lesson on moderation and necessity, surpassing the confines of mere food, warning against the overindulgence of any pleasure or obsession that shrouds the essence of living.

Approaching the phrase from a health perspective, prolonged overeating leads to various detriments such as obesity, cardiac issues, diabetes, etc. By choosing mindfully to "eat to live," one can prevent these health adversities, contributing to a better quality of life. From a social aspect, overemphasising food can lead to unhealthy and unbalanced life priorities. Time and resources that could be invested in personal development or helping others may instead go to excessive food indulgence. This mindset promotes a more balanced and socially attuned lifestyle.

Well-publicised instances of the ill effects of "living to eat" are numerous. Take, for instance, the global obesity pandemic. A report by the World Health Organisation in 2016 demonstrated that over 1.9 billion adults were overweight, of which over 650 million were obese. This drastic situation primarily stems from overconsumption of food and a lack of physical activity—a tangible instance of the perils of 'living to eat.'

Consider the stories of individuals overcoming unhealthy food relationships by choosing to "eat to live" are prevalent. An example from popular media is provided by TV chef Graham Elliot, who famously lost over 150 pounds by reevaluating his relationship with food. These stories emphasise the critical importance and beneficial results of the "eat to live" ideology.

In conclusion, the proverb "One should eat to live, not live to eat" provides a prism to view not just our eating habits but our overall approach to life. This essay throws light on the phrase by dissecting its literal and symbolic meanings, perspectives it opens up, and instances and experiences it gains relevance from.

Reflecting upon the conveyed wisdom, it aligns perfectly with another proverb: "Too much of anything is good for nothing." Moderation is the key to enjoying life's pleasures without being enslaved by them. We must learn to maintain balance in all aspects of life, including our relationship with food, ensuring we are the masters of our desires and not the other way around.