I have not read The Omnivore’s Dilemma yet, but based on Brian’s review, I am intrigued by the book. I imagine this foie gras parable would fit in snugly in the second section of the book (characterized as utopia), and the review reminded me of one of my favorite TED talks.

Dan Barber’s surprising foie gras parable

This TED talk exhibits that the paths to quality of food is possible by natural means alone. It proves the natural feeding habits of these Spanish Geese produce better tasting foie gras than the widely-accepted, artificial, cruel method of gavage.

Ultimately, the happiness of the animal is as important to the happiness of the human that consumes the animal. It makes sense. An animal living with a high level of happiness will make the life of the human happier. You can taste it. You can taste the happiness. Every time you eat a McDonald’s doub(le) chee(seburger), how do you feel afterwards? Horrible. It seems like a good idea at the time, but ultimately, you’re paying for it later. With happiness. Put down the doub chee for your happiness’ sake!

It’s really understanding the animal and listening to it. Listen. The geese don’t need to have a human brain to understand what happiness is. That’s because happiness is a purely illogical, emotional reaction to the environment. Don’t just listen to it, feel the animal. Taste the animal’s/vegetable’s happiness. Taste your happiness.