Here are some of the most inspiring Anthony Bourdain quotes to help get you through the day
In the wake of the tragic news that writer, host, and all-around extraordinary human Anthony Bourdain has died at the age of 61, fans around the globe are reflecting back on his life and adventures, and taking to social media to remember the die-hard food lover and travel enthusiast.
The Parts Unknown host was never afraid to give his honest thoughts about, well, anything. Remember the time he spoke up about Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino, calling it “the perfect nexus of awfulness”? It still make us smile.
Bourdain certainly lived an extraordinary life, and in honor of that, here are 16 of the most inspiring quotes he shared over the years. He offered up endless wisdom (often in his signature brand of wit). We hope these quotes inspire you as we remember his life and legacy.
1. "As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt."
2. "To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living."
3. "If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food. It's a plus for everybody."
4. "Under 'Reasons for Leaving Last Job,' never give the real reason, unless it's money or ambition."
5. "Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown."
6. "I'm a big believer in winging it. I'm a big believer that you're never going to find perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one. Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I'm always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary."
7. "Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you...You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind."
8. "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."
9. "Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund."
10. "I was an angry kid...I was a happy dishwasher. I jokingly say that I learned every important lesson, all the most important lessons of my life as a dishwasher."
11. "In these current circumstances [#MeToo], one must pick a side. I stand unhesitatingly and unwaveringly with the women. Not out of virtue, or integrity, or high moral outrage — as much as I’d like to say so — but because late in life, I met one extraordinary woman with a particularly awful story to tell, who introduced me to other extraordinary women with equally awful stories. I am grateful to them from their courage, and inspired by them. That doesn’t make me any more enlightened than any other man who has begun listening and paying attention. It does makes me, I hope, slightly less stupid."
12. "Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride."
13. "Cream rises. Excellence does have its rewards."
14. "[When I die], I will decidedly not be regretting missed opportunities for a good time. My regrets will be more along the lines of a sad list of people hurt, people let down, assets wasted and advantages squandered."
15. "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."
16. "I'm not going anywhere. I hope. It's been an adventure. We took some casualties over the years. Things got broken. Things got lost. But I wouldn't have missed it for the world."
If you or anyone you know are contemplating suicide, never hesitate to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
