I love this essay. So many people universalize their diet, lifestyle, etc and claim that it will work for everyone. I think the powers that be like to think of zapping humanity of its vitality to the degree that Cornarism “but with bugs this time” will suit their low energy lifestyle. Once someone has embraced the Soylent lifestyle, it is hard to see them changing and taking on a new vitalistic lifestyle apart from a “back to the rice fields” forced march (which I don’t support).
I've always marveled that people will learn of apparently supernatural feats (extreme tolerance to heat and cold, endurance, strength, perception, concentration, coordination, durability, longevity, ability, etc.) and still somehow think that it's 100% rooted in the material world.
Cornaro may have gone wrong in recommending his diet to everyone, and it may not have been particularly helpful in Nietzsche's time. But it clearly is directionally good advice in this age of obesity. Plenty of work starting with McKay's in the 1930s, leading to that of Walford and others later last century, have provided ample evidence that caloric restriction can bring numerous health benefits. Moderate restriction makes more sense for real people (other than athletes) because we are not living in a sterile laboratory and we need some reserves. Intermittent fasting works well.
I would say that such a practice need not be self-denial or bodily denial. It can be part of a Nietzschean work to "shape or choose a self". "One thing is needed _ `To give style' to one's character _ a great and rare art! He exercises it who surveys all that his nature presents in strength and weakness and then molds it to an artistic plan until everything appears as art and reason, and even the weaknesses delight the eye."
Anyone who has done hard manual work for a living knows the importance of a full stomach for energy and endurance. All armies understand the importance of food for morale. Eating isn’t going out of fashion any time soon...
I love this essay. So many people universalize their diet, lifestyle, etc and claim that it will work for everyone. I think the powers that be like to think of zapping humanity of its vitality to the degree that Cornarism “but with bugs this time” will suit their low energy lifestyle. Once someone has embraced the Soylent lifestyle, it is hard to see them changing and taking on a new vitalistic lifestyle apart from a “back to the rice fields” forced march (which I don’t support).
I've always marveled that people will learn of apparently supernatural feats (extreme tolerance to heat and cold, endurance, strength, perception, concentration, coordination, durability, longevity, ability, etc.) and still somehow think that it's 100% rooted in the material world.
It sad and hilarious.
Cornaro may have gone wrong in recommending his diet to everyone, and it may not have been particularly helpful in Nietzsche's time. But it clearly is directionally good advice in this age of obesity. Plenty of work starting with McKay's in the 1930s, leading to that of Walford and others later last century, have provided ample evidence that caloric restriction can bring numerous health benefits. Moderate restriction makes more sense for real people (other than athletes) because we are not living in a sterile laboratory and we need some reserves. Intermittent fasting works well.
I would say that such a practice need not be self-denial or bodily denial. It can be part of a Nietzschean work to "shape or choose a self". "One thing is needed _ `To give style' to one's character _ a great and rare art! He exercises it who surveys all that his nature presents in strength and weakness and then molds it to an artistic plan until everything appears as art and reason, and even the weaknesses delight the eye."
Anyone who has done hard manual work for a living knows the importance of a full stomach for energy and endurance. All armies understand the importance of food for morale. Eating isn’t going out of fashion any time soon...