Thought for food

287,182 views| Mallard Gosling | TED Talk • 03 November 2024

As Election Day casts its shadow over the world, Thanksgiving, the brightest and most cherished day on the American calendar, stands resplendent on the horizon, a beacon of hope and unity.

We, however, the true “deplorables” – those deprived of the pride and elation that comes with being a citizen of the most influential nation in history – find ourselves, as always, unable to partake in, or even fathom, the profound gratitude that the people of that blessed land hold for the exalted station that is their birthright.

Shackled by the consequences of our lesser birth, our sense of being on the fringes of power and meaning is most keenly felt, and in our collective melancholy – nothing binds people more than being outside the American experience – we turn away from Thanksgiving towards the next guiding light of annual, and, indeed, universal, promise: Christmas.

For believers and non-believers alike, the holiday season, with all of its time-honoured traditions, illuminates a true path of belonging. Yet, after a year fraught with challenges, and faced with the impending uncertainties of Tuesday’s vote and the stressful stretch of days, weeks, months, and, in all likelihood, years and decades ahead, our anxieties persist, compelling us to seek solace in the cherished memories of better times.

For me, this was the autumn and winter of 2015, when, alongside a small but virtuous group of kindred spirits, I created a haven of hope and compassion in my beloved city of Paris.

Giving by Gaving

Driven by a profound sense of ethical responsibility, Giving by Gaving is a unique service wherein those committed to the ethical treatment of animals can, for a weekly fee, engage personally in the months-long gavage and final abbatage of waterfowl – geese for the most part, and a selection of ducks.

As proof of our sincere intentions, part of the proceeds supports animal refuges, houseless shelters, and nursing homes. This has created a legacy of empathy and moral resolve far beyond mere culinary indulgence.

Our boutiques serve as purveyors of our bespoke services and sanctuaries for those who share our sensibilities. Each is outfitted with gilded cages and expansive areas for avian movement. Proper nourishing, dispatching and extrication techniques are imparted. Soothing music is piped in, creating an atmosphere of serene luxury for those who live and expire therein and all who visit.

The liver forgives… and forgets

In the earliest days of our endeavour, we came upon a revelation: the liver's miraculous ability to regenerate had the power to revolutionize foie gras production. We devised methods by which individual ducks and geese could produce fattened livers year after year. Remarkably, even when these livers were partially harvested, they possessed the wondrous capacity to heal themselves, thereby enabling an ongoing and humane cycle of production.

The business flourished remarkably, a testament to our vision of harmonizing tradition with innovation and reverence for life. Soon, other of God's joyous creatures—turkeys, cows and calves, lambs, rabbits, and pigs – wholly submitted themselves to our mission. For them, we pioneered innovative “snout to tail” techniques to gently separate portions while avoiding mortal harm. Aquatic environments were introduced, fish tanks brimming with vibrant life, and a new generation of sushi artisans were trained to prepare each delicacy without causing terminal distress.

Our ethical empire has expanded across the globe

Our innovations have transformed the culinary world, ushering in a new era where nourishment is celebrated, cherished, and esteemed.

Gone are the sterile supermarket packaging and impersonal displays, replaced by thoughtfully curated spaces devoted to authenticity, mindfulness and pleasure. In these carefully designed environments, the balance of life and nature is honoured with gentleness. Each creature's journey is treated with honour and respect. Each is given prominence. Every life is prolonged, and its ultimate, inevitable end is transparent and dignified, not hidden away.

Our patrons enjoy the flavours but also the stories and principles behind their choices. They are acutely aware of their profound impact, instilling goodness and positive change throughout the world. Their actions resonate with purpose and fulfilment, illuminating the path towards a brighter, more compassionate future.

Human and humane: the new frontier

We now embark upon a noble quest into the domain of medical science, pioneering methods to apply these same innovations in the cultivation and harvest of essential human tissues. This groundbreaking endeavour holds the promise of addressing the critical shortage of transplants and confronting the pervasive issues of immigration and poverty, offering hope and succor to countless individuals in dire need.

Please join us. United, guided by unwavering dedication and selflessness, we can establish a new order that reflects our loftiest ideals and noblest aspirations.

Lend your strength in whatever way you are able. Let us, together, carve a new world.

Thank you.