In a straightforward sense, this statement describes a traditional pattern of consumption common in certain parts of Europe during specific historical periods. It mentions cheese as the mainstay food item, bread brought from elsewhere, and schnapps (a type of alcoholic beverage) consumed at the end of the week once workers received their pay. The mention of "five Pfennige a shot" refers to the price of schnapps in that time period.
The deeper meaning of this quote reflects the cultural and economic conditions prevalent during earlier times when manual labor was predominant, and wages were modest. It illustrates the cyclical nature of consumption habits based on weekly earnings, with hard work sustained by basic necessities like cheese and bread, followed by a reward at week's end through the indulgence in schnapps. This pattern also hints at societal norms around alcohol consumption as a form of relaxation or celebration after long weeks of labor.
The quote is attributed to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, an influential German-American architect known for his contributions to modernist architecture and design philosophy. His insights often extend beyond the technical aspects of building designs, touching on broader themes of culture and human behavior that resonate with his architectural principles emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and functionality.
