Week 4: Plato

'They will feed on barley-meal and flour of wheat, baking and kneading them, making noble cakes and loaves; these they will serve up on a mat of reeds or on clean leaves, themselves reclining the while upon beds strewn with yew or myrtle. And they and their children will feast, drinking of the wine which they have made, wearing garlands on their heads, and hymning the praises of the gods, in happy converse with one another. And they will take care that their families do not exceed their means; having an eye to poverty or war.
But, said Glaucon, interposing, you have not given them a relish to their meal.
True, I replied, I had forgotten; of course they must have a relish-salt, and olives, and cheese, and they will boil roots and herbs such as country people prepare; for a dessert we shall give them figs, and peas, and beans; and they will roast myrtle-berries and acorns at the fire, drinking in moderation. And with such a diet they may be expected to live in peace and health to a good old age, and bequeath a similar life to their children after them.'

Book II The Republic by Plato

In this part of The Republic, Socrates sets out what he believes is a simple diet that will result in health for those who follow it - moderate, simple, rustic even. I'm not sure what the roast acorns are for, but the idea of a healthy simple diet still seems a good one even today. After all the delicious food and drink at the hotel last week, I think I need to enjoy a very simple diet this week.