#higherlaws

In this chapter, Thoreau focuses in on food and the relation it has to the mind. He believes that those who want to achieve their greatest potential should abstain from consuming other animals, as well as not consume much food in general.

"Who has not sometimes derived an inexpressible satisfaction from his food in which appetite had no share?"

Thoreau's question above is rhetorical, as nearly every man has had a time in which they consumed something simply for the want of its taste, not for the aim of conquering the need of hunger. He uses this idea to explore the ideas of what would today be seen as "mindful eating", where one is to actually experience their food and become more in touch with consumption. Especially in today's world, where quick meals between classes or customers is quite common, this theory is one we all should try. Once we learn to savor our food, perhaps the appetite we find we were truly seeking is one for knowledge, or a poetic creativity like Thoreau seems to be searching for. Overall, I believe his idea of abstaining from animal consumption and being more cautious of what is put into our bodies is an insightful concept in terms of developing one's true mental capacity.

"Not that the food which entereth into the mouth defileth a man, but the appetite with which it is eaten."