This quote highlights the idea that when selecting natural species, people often do so not based on their culinary value but rather because they hold significant cultural or intellectual importance. It suggests that certain plants and animals are chosen more for what they represent or signify within a culture than for practical reasons such as taste or nutritional benefits.
The deeper meaning of this quote is rooted in the anthropological study of how cultures form connections with their environment beyond just survival needs. Claude Lévi-Strauss, who coined the term "good to think," argues that many cultural practices and beliefs are embedded within natural objects and species, which serve as symbols or metaphors for complex ideas. This perspective underscores that nature is not merely a resource but also a source of knowledge and meaning. For instance, certain animals might be used in storytelling or rituals to convey moral lessons or historical narratives, thereby enriching cultural understanding and identity.
Claude Lévi-Strauss was a renowned French anthropologist known for his significant contributions to structural anthropology. His work often focused on the relationships between myths, symbols, and natural elements within various cultures around the world. This quote reflects his broader theory that humans tend to interpret their surroundings through intricate layers of symbolism and cultural significance, rather than purely from a utilitarian perspective.
