Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food Movement, passed away recently on May 21st. He led the global conversation regarding how to make food good, clean, and fair for all. He was one of the first to recognize that fast food culture was the antithesis of those values, and he worked to educate others of the problems inherent in the glorification of speed and the policies that support it, as well as elevate those that use sustainable and traditional practices. His work lives on in the Slow Foods Movement, Terra Madre, and the University of Gastronomic Sciences, and through all the lives touched by his clear, visionary mind and his heart for sharing his forward-thinking astuteness.
With Bread
In speaking about Carlo Petrini, another Slow Foods and slow living advocate, Carl Honoré, praised him as a wonderful companion in a BBC interview. Honoré explained that the word ‘companion’ comes from the Latin words, com, meaning ‘with’, and panis, meaning bread, and originally referred to breaking bread with someone. Nothing delights me more than a satisfying etymology, and this one is my new favorite!
There’s a reason food is central to our gatherings and celebrations, sharing that moment with others creates a bond that is unlike any other and speaks to something deep within us. We have the choice to slow down with people in our lives every day and resist the culture of speed with its thin values. After all, where do we end up by speeding through life? Most of us are aiming for longevity, not brevity.
Slow Values
Since the Slow Food Movement began, there have been many offshoots, some directly connected to the original movement, such as, slow wine, slow fish, slow food editore, and others that have arisen through inspiration, such as slow living, slow travel, and slow flowers. The word ‘slow’ implies depth, understanding, and authenticity, in a quickening world that relies on superficiality and illusions. The Slow Foods Movement is mourning its founder, but it’s stronger than ever and certainly more necessary. Where do you want more slowness in your life? I hope you find it and better yet, I hope you create it.
Bon appétit, lovely companions💜