The article delves into various extreme interpretations of this “food as magic” philosophy. It highlights figures like “Raw Egg Nationalist,” who posits that dietary choices, such as consuming steak versus Frosted Flakes, can fundamentally alter one’s political and philosophical outlook, linking food directly to ideological alignment. This exemplifies a trend where food becomes intertwined with identity and a means to achieve specific, often radical, outcomes.

Another example cited is Bryan Johnson, a Silicon Valley millionaire behind the “Don’t Die” organization, whose social media presence is dedicated to meticulously documenting his quest for immortality through hyper-optimized dietary and lifestyle regimes. This showcases the extreme end of personal optimization driven by food, transforming eating into a scientific experiment aimed at defying biological limits, often detached from traditional culinary enjoyment or social interaction.

The author, however, posits a more grounded and, arguably, more profound perspective. Instead of viewing food as a singular means to an unrealistic, “baroque” end, the article suggests that its true value lies in its capacity to facilitate human connection and shared enjoyment. This perspective emphasizes food as a communal activity, something we prepare and consume together, fostering bonds that are both everyday and deeply rooted in cultural heritage.