Latest news with #12RulesforLife
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Testy Jordan Peterson Exchange During Christianity Debate Viewed 3.4M Times
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An exchange between Jordan Peterson and an atheist debater has gone viral after the famous psychologist and author refused to identify himself as a Christian. Why It Matters Peterson debated around 20 atheists on the YouTube channel Jubilee, which was uploaded on May 25. A small snippet of the video has gone viral on X, formerly Twitter, with one post garnering 3.4 million views. The person who posted the clip, YungPutin1, wrote: "Atheist wins debate by asking other side if he's really Christian." What To Know Peterson, the author of self-help book 12 Rules for Life, would not say whether he was a Christian in a Jubilee debate with a number of atheists. When a debater who introduced himself as Danny said to Peterson, "You're a Christian," Peterson answered: "You say that, I haven't claimed that." "What is this?" Danny asked, "Christians versus atheists," referring to the title of the debate. While the video is now entitled Jordan Peterson vs 20 atheists, it is was originally called 1 Christian vs 20 atheists, according to an archived version of the page on WaybackMachine. Danny later asked: "Either you're a Christian or you're not, which one is it?" "I could be either of them, but I don't have to tell you," Peterson said, adding afterward: "It's private." "I was invited to talk to a Christian," Danny said, "Am I not talking to a Christian?" He then said: "I think everyone should look at the title of the YouTube channel, you're probably in the wrong YouTube video." "You're really quite something you are," Peterson said. "Aren't ?" Danny replied. "But you are really quite nothing, right, you're not a Christian…" Peterson then interrupted him to say: "OK, I'm done with him." Newsweek has contacted Jubilee via email for comment. During a debate titled "One Christian vs. Twenty Atheists," Jordan Peterson was pressed to identify himself as a Christian but awkwardly refused. — YungPut1n (@YungPutin1) May 25, 2025 Peterson has often given nuanced and somewhat complicated answers to whether he is a Christian or not, despite clearly advocating for many biblical values and stories. In his book We Who Wrestle With God, he writes about the psychological significance of Bible stories. In a January interview with The Spectator, editor and former U.K. government minister Michael Gove asked Peterson directly if he was a Christian. "I would say in the deepest sense, yes," Peterson answered. "But I'm not a typical Christian because I'm striving for understanding above all." "I suppose people might pillory me as agnostic, but that's not true because I don't believe that the proper relationship between this underlying unity and myself would be established as a consequence of intellectual conquest," he continued. Jordan Peterson speaking during the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference in east London on Monday February 17, 2025. Jordan Peterson speaking during the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference in east London on Monday February 17, 2025. AP What People Are Saying Conservative commentator Candace Owens has criticized Peterson's unclear stance before. In an April episode of her podcast, she said: "Despite the fact that [Peterson] speaks about God a lot, he has never declared himself to be a Christian." "What does he actually believe?" she asked later. "He has definitely elected himself as an academic leader of faith and that again can register as quite confusing because we don't know what he believes." Jordan Peterson told The Spectator: "I'm a new kind of Christian. How about that? The manner in which I'm discussing these stories in my work has attracted a wide attention from precisely the people who were most disenchanted with the approach of the classic churches." What Happens Next Peterson has not yet commented publicly on the Jubilee debate.
Buzz Feed
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
I Asked People At The LA Times Festival Of Books To Share One Book They Think Every Person Should Read
I attended the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 26 and 27, where I talked to attendees, authors, and vendors about their favorite books and authors. Their picks span across genres — from fantasy to memoir, and classic literature to vampires — offering a diverse range of tastes. Keep reading to see what they chose, and also how to support their work and small businesses! 1. Guy Macchia picked 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos, a non-fiction book by psychologist Jordan B. Peterson. Readers love it for its blend of humor, philosophy, mythology, psychology, and practical advice, and several people have even said it changed their lives. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Promising review: "Nothing short of a masterpiece. This book has had a profound impact on my perspective and the way I approach life. What makes this book exceptional is its blend of deep philosophical insights and practical advice. Each of the 12 rules is like a guide to living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Peterson's wisdom is not only thought-provoking but also applicable to real-life situations. The writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex ideas understandable to a wide range of readers. I found myself absorbed in his profound storytelling and examples. It's not just a self-help book; it's a roadmap to understanding the human condition and navigating the chaos of life. I've implemented many of these rules in my own life, and I've seen positive changes in my relationships, career, and overall well-being. It's a book I revisit often for guidance and inspiration. If you're seeking wisdom, clarity, and practical advice on how to live a better life, '12 Rules for Life' is an absolute must-read. It's a life-changing book that deserves every one of its 5 stars." — Amazon Customer Get it on paperback from Amazon for $14.89 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $32 (only available in hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and CD), and Bookshop for $29.76 (originally $32; available in hardcover and ebook). 2. Author E.J. Tanda picked Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, a book and movie series that is so wildly popular and beloved, it needs no introduction. However, it was so much more than a vampiric romantasy novel to her — it was the story that inspired her to become a writer. E.J. Tanda has written two novels called The Mafia Matriarch Series, which were inspired by true events from her family history. If you're looking for a spicy romance with a smattering of organized crime, then pick up book one, Queen of Secrets, and book two, Crown of Confessions (with book three on its way!). Promising review:"I hadn't read the books when the first movie came out. I fell in love with Bella and Edward, then consumed all four books. Every volume in the series is beautiful, inspiring, heroic, and irresistible. The Twilight Series is a monument to love." — a customer Get book one on paperback at Amazon for $10.16 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $19.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $15.80 (also available in ebook). You can also get the whole paperback series for $78.99 (also available in hardback). 3. Jennifer Mayes picked the ever-popular Fourth Wing, the first book of The Empyrean Series, by Rebecca Yarros. If you haven't heard of this romantasy novel that has spawned millions of dragon-loving super fans worldwide, we highly recommend you give it a read (if dragons, battles, fantasy, spicy love scenes, and saving the world from evil forces is your thing, that is). Be sure to pick up Iron Flame and Onyx Storm while you're at it, because once you finish Fourth Wing, you'll be hooked. If you're a hardcover collector, you can get all three here. Promising review:"I wasn't sure if Fourth Wing would live up to all the hype, but honestly... it did. I flew through this book way faster than I expected. The world-building is super immersive without feeling overwhelming, and the stakes feel real. Characters die, people make tough choices, and nothing feels too predictable. I really liked Violet as a main character. She's not this overpowered heroine — she's struggling, constantly being doubted, and you're just rooting for her to prove everyone wrong. She's clever and tough in ways that feel believable. And the dragons are honestly some of my favorite parts — they have personalities, they're sassy, and they add so much to the story. Also, the romance? So good. It's a slow build with tension that feels natural, not forced. The banter and chemistry between Violet and Xaden felt authentic, and I actually cared about both of them as characters, not just as a couple. The last few chapters absolutely messed me up, and I'm still thinking about that ending." — Anne C Get it on paperback from Amazon for $13.88 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $17.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and large print), and Bookshop for $19.52 (also available in ebook). 4. Author Maurice Hicks picked (with complete confidence and zero hesitation, I might add) Finding Me by Viola Davis — a memoir about the dynamo actor and EGOT winner. (Honestly, is there anything she can't do?) Like Maurice, many readers found her story inspiring and captivating — and I would expect nothing less. If you're a fan of the true crime genre, then pick up a copy of Maurice Hick's action-packed non-fiction book Looking For Trouble, which is based on his 20-year career in Maryland's law enforcement nabbing drug kingpins and murderers. Promising review:"Viola Davis' Finding Me is a breathtaking memoir that grips your heart and doesn't let go. With unflinching honesty, Davis shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of the most revered actors of our time. Her story is both deeply personal and universally relatable, as she navigates themes of poverty, identity, self-worth, and triumph over adversity." — Stephanie Get it on paperback from Amazon for $11.76 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $17.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and large print), and Bookshop for $16.73 (also available in ebook). 5. Author Will Sterling picked the timeless classic Frankenstein by Mary Shelley — the oldest book (first published in 1818!) on this list. This gothic horror tale about a mad scientist and the monster he creates is so influential that even if you haven't read it (and it's probably time you did, tbh), you can instantly picture Frankenstein's iconic monster and even buy his likeness at a Spirit Halloween store come October. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Be sure to pick up a copy of Will Sterling's can't-put-it-down novel Fame By Misadventure that one reader described as a mix of "Housewives, true crime, reality TV, and our obsession with knowing everyone's secrets." Promising review:"I am an ardent cynic when it comes to 'classics.' I think many people will read a book or hear a song, and if it is old, they will call it a classic. Then this 'classic,' whether it is good or not, must be respected because of its age. Classics, in my opinion, must stand on their own in modern times. Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, is a book worthy of this label, 'classic.' I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone who wants to try some classics on for size. Out of the classics I've recently read, including War of the Worlds, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Alice in Wonderland, Frankenstein is probably my favorite." — Ray Murphy Get it on paperback from Amazon for $3.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $15 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $9.30. 6. Author Justin Kurian picked The Age of Innocence, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Edith Wharton. This story is an enduring classic for a reason — I'm talkin' love, I'm talkin' opulence, I'm talkin' turmoil, I'm talkin' 19th-century New York high society. If you haven't read this treasured piece of literature by now, then take this as a sign to add it to your TBR list ASAP. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Pick up a copy of Justin Kurian's book The Canticle of Ibiza, which is chock-full of adventure, hedonism, villa parties, mysticism, spirituality, and many other exciting escapades, all set in the 1988 party scene of Ibiza, Spain. Promising review:"Had been meaning to read this book and glad that I finally did. The author provides incredible detail on every page about the 'haves' in the early 20th century and how decorum and social status were paramount, even more than love. I really enjoyed the development of the main characters and how they let outside forces affect their actions. Definitely worth a read." — Dave H. Get it on paperback from Amazon for $5.04 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $9.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $16.74 (also available in ebook). 7. Marsha Rivera picked The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz. This best-selling, Oprah-lauded book continues to be referenced, recommended, and revisited, even now — 28 years after publication. There is no shortage of reviews mentioning the positive impact and change it has brought to people's lives. Who knows, maybe it'll be the soothing salve your soul needs right now. Marsha Rivera owns a small Los Angeles-based business called Over The Moon, where you can find holistic self-care products, home goods, and jewelry (and, if you're based in LA, can book massages as well). I was lured to her booth by the sumptuous smells of her candles, and can confidently recommend her wares! Promising review:"This book changed my life — a true transformation! I honestly don't even have the right words to express how much this book has impacted me. It has completely shifted the way I see the world. I feel like I'm a different person now — one who's healed, more grounded, and has a whole new mindset on life. The insights in this book helped me break free from old patterns, heal old wounds, and finally see things from a fresh perspective. It wasn't just a read; it was a journey that helped me grow as a person in ways I didn't even know were possible. I've learned to let go of limiting beliefs, embrace challenges, and approach life with a new sense of gratitude and clarity. If you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or just searching for a way to transform your mindset and your life, this book is a MUST. It's more than just words on a page; it's a guide to healing and personal growth. I'll be forever grateful for it!" — morganna Get it on paperback from Amazon for $7.05 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $12.95 (available in hardcover and ebook), and Bookshop for $12.04 (also available in ebook). 8. Author and psychotherapist Dr. Stacey Simmons picked When God Was A Woman by Merlin Stone, a book that explores matriarchal history through myths, ancient goddesses, theology, archeological data, and beyond. Though it was published in the '70s, many readers – like Stacey — still find its teachings relevant today. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed If you have similar taste to Dr. Simmons', then be sure to pick up her books The Queen's Path: A Revolutionary Guide to Women's Empowerment and Sovereignty and Mushroom Pharmacy: A Practical Guide to Psychedelic Mushrooms. Promising review:"For anyone who wants to understand the time when the goddess reigned supreme and the difference in the status of women during those times, this is an awesome book to read. Contrasting with the coming of the male god and the denigration of women in the process is absolutely illuminating! It's an amazing eye-opener. And a required read for women who wish to understand how the dominance of the male god has affected their place in society today, as compared to the time when the goddess was the major deity. Please, take the time to read this significant book. You won't be sorry. It was written in the 1970s, but it is uncannily germane today." — Ammi Get it on paperback from Amazon for $12.49 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $18.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $17.66 (also available in ebook). 9. Halley Parry and Jack Helton, who rang up my commemorative (and quintessential Festival of Books souvenir) tote bag at the Skylight Books booth, simultaneously picked Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin in a remarkable moment of bibliophilic synchronicity. Skylight Books is a small business that opened in 1996 and is located in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. Promising review:"The first word that comes to mind when I think about Giovanni's Room is 'poetic.' Each word is thoughtfully placed in each sentence, creating a narrative that reflects not only the profound intellectualism of Baldwin but also his sensitivity and depth as a human being. Giovanni's Room has established itself as an important queer novel. First published over 40 years ago, it captures the life of an expatriate, David, in Paris, and reveals his transformation. His transformation is multilayered, a complex and dynamic affair, yet the most obvious, and arguably, important one, is his sexual metamorphosis, brought about by Giovanni. The relevance of this novel is that most of us can empathize with David's struggle. How could we not? Balwin's words are rich and compelling. It lifted me from my reality into David's, and by the end of the novel (the last two sentences, I've read 1,000 times), I felt like I knew exactly what David had gone through, because I was there with him, and because I'd been there in my own life as well." — JCB Get it on paperback from Amazon for $9.59 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $16 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $14.89 (originally $16, also available in ebook). 10. Noah Bleich (yes, he is indeed dressed like a teapot) picked Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. Don't let the word "history" fool you, though — this highly-reviewed work of non-fiction is anything but boring, and will keep you engaged and turning pages faster than you can say "sesquipedalian." Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Phil is the creator of a small family-owned business called The TeaBook, which is exactly what it sounds like — a photo album-like book in which to store and organize your tea. You can fill it with your own tea collection or with his uniquely packaged pun-tastic teas that, when combined with the book, tell a story. Promising review:"By FAR the most amazingly insightful, thought-provoking analysis of human history, our brains, our motives, our crimes (as a species), our victories, our abject failures, and our haunting, uncertain future. The best book you'll ever read!!" — Scott J. Mackey Get it on paperback from Amazon for $14.29 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $25.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $24.17 (also available in ebook). 11. And as a bonus round, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, chosen by ya girl – aka me. After two days of asking people about books that moved them, I, a self-proclaimed bookworm, wanted to be included, too. I changed my pick several times throughout the weekend (The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King and Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan were also contenders), but finally landed on this novel because of how much it deepened my empathy and lingered in my mind for weeks after finishing it. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Promising reviews:"I couldn't put it down. The story weaved a quilt of Black history that should be shared with all of us who have been around long enough to recognize each era. It reminded me that I knew an H, a Yaw, and a Sonny. This is for those of us who can share empathy with all of the women in this work of art. I've already purchased copies for my daughters and my grandsons. Beautiful job. Well done." — Stellamac2 "Each chapter is about a new character in a family tree spanning generations. As someone who gets attached to characters, I thought I would get frustrated by having to say goodbye and hello so often, but that wasn't my experience here. The empathy for each new character and chapter of family history builds so quickly that I found myself excited to see who I would meet next. It's apparent this book is the product of years of hard work and research. It's among the best historical fiction I've ever read. Also, that ending really got me." — Tatyana Shestopalova Get it on paperback from Amazon for $9.90 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $18 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $16.74 (originally $18, also available in ebook).
The Guardian
27-02-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
The sudden rise of meat snacks: why are they so beloved by gym bros?
How did something as transparently dirty as cured meat enter the temple of clean? The American 'meat stick' industry – mainly cured beef sticks that are awesomely calorific – hit $3bn last year. In the UK, processed meat snacking products have grown in sales by 38% since 2020, and are projected to pick up another 49% percent by 2027. The puzzle is not 'are they tasty?' or 'are they convenient?' We know they are, but so is a Snickers. Rather, how did a category that we've known for years is actively bad for your health come to be the snacking choice of gymgoers and lifestyle gurus alike? Scientifically questionable meat-heavy diets come and go (remember the Atkins diet?) but in 2018, conservative guru Jordan Peterson went on Joe Rogan's podcast to talk about his book 12 Rules for Life, and – complimented by Rogan on his physique – said in passing he now ate only beef, salt and water. And he never cheated. The 'animal products only' Carnivore Diet, by orthopaedic surgeon Shawn Baker, was published at the same time. A year later, the Annals of Internal Medicine in the US published an astonishing study which recommended 'that adults continue current processed meat consumption'. It was astonishing because, in the maelstrom of conflicting dietary advice – red wine prevents cancer, it gives you cancer, tomatoes are good for you, they also give you cancer, etc – science had long been pretty settled on processed meats. There were still question marks over nitrates and nitrites, which are so prevalent in meat processing, and whether or not they could be isolated as the root of the problem. But until that study, most people agreed that processed meat was bad for you. Federica Amati, head nutritionist at the Zoe app, and nutrition topic lead at Imperial College London School of Medicine, gives a whistlestop tour of the health risks of processed meats: 'Dextrose is a high-glycemic ingredient that increases blood sugar levels and can lead to dehydration in high amounts. N-nitroso compounds are cancer-causing substances believed to be responsible for some of the adverse effects. They are formed from nitrite (sodium nitrite) that is added to processed meat products. They're high in saturated fat, which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and they're a class one carcinogen, known to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.' 'The mechanism is less interesting than the certainty,' says Chris Van Tulleken, author of Ultra-Processed People. 'The evidence is very clear that processed meats elevate your risk of heart disease and other negative outcomes. It's dose-dependent: the more you eat, the greater the harm. That is mediated, probably, through saturated fat, which is seriously bad for you; salt, which is seriously bad for you; and their energy density. We know that energy-dense soft food promotes weight gain. It's probably not simply because they're tasty – 'tasty' is not a very formal word, so we can't answer that precisely with research; it's because they're not satisfying. So you'll eat them quicker than you could feel full.' The data was in, in other words, and yet the debate remained alive. In fact, doubts were cast on that journal article pretty fast, when it was discovered the same week (October 2019) that one of the authors had ties to the meat industry. But TikTok and the wider manosphere – social media spaces populated by young bros looking for answers – didn't seem to care about conflicts of interest. The 'lion diet', for example, which entails eating only the meat of ruminant animals, gained prominence online as the answer to everything: it could reduce inflammation, promote weight loss, solve skin complaints, improve mood. Basically, it could give you the constitution of a lion, and have you ever truly looked at one of those creatures in his own habitat? Is he not majestic? Does he look depressed to you? He does not. The videos, particularly from the UK, are often unbelievably gross: pale young men frying up boxes of the cheapest imaginable mince with cubes of beef fat (and who the hell knows where they came from), proclaiming that it kept them going all day for £1.30. But it was not all gym bros. High-protein, zero-carb diets were still discreetly popular in what we might call the Anna Wintour constituency – she famously only ate steak and caprese salad, minus the tomatoes, for lunch. Amati describes these different generational attitudes: 'My female clients over the age of 40 struggle to stop pinning their health on how thin they are. Thin equals healthy for them, and they often don't eat enough food. My younger female clients are often fearful of food; many have tried elimination diets, undertaken unnecessary fasting regimes or removed food groups without a nutrition professional advising them or supporting them, and it's sad to see how much fear certain influencers can cause.' So that's the female meat-snack market in a nutshell: gen X still chasing the keto dream, while millennials and gen Z take a more … well, 'neurotic' is a strong word; let's call it the quest of the terminally online for everything to just work better. Amati continues: 'My male clients have less of a divide between generations, but they struggle with convenience and are often set unnecessarily high protein targets, which they then struggle to achieve without eating protein snacks and drinking high-protein drinks. What's worrying is that more often than not, even young men in their 30s already present with cardiovascular risk factors like high LDL [a type of cholesterol] or elevated blood pressure.' What's extraordinary about this picture is not so much how our social and existential anxieties are mediated through food – although for sure, that's something to think about – but how it all drives inexorably towards one single food: the processed meat stick or nugget. If you're cutting out carbs to stay thin, there are very few foods you can eat as a snack. Even many vegetables are verboten. There is a side-category of twitchy gen X-er the kids call the 'almond mum' (short version: whatever you ask for, you'll get almonds), but really, all roads lead to chorizo (which saw a 28% increase in sales last year, in the UK). Meanwhile, in the world of fitness, protein targets are nudging towards the impossible: if you take a weight-based approach, medics agree that 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is fine, but most muscle-building advice would take one gram per kilo as a bare minimum, going up to two grams if you're younger and training for an event, or if you're older and trying to build muscle. You often see calculations based on men weighing 70kg and women weighing 60kg, but average weights are much higher than that: per the NHS's figures in 2021, the mean weights of men and women, based on adjustments to self-reported weight, were 85.1kg and 71.8kg respectively. And 170g of pure protein a day is not easily done – a classic service-station beef stick is only 16% protein, and almost all the rest is fat. Van Tulleken is more fair-minded, and points out: 'Beef jerky can be quite lean, so that's OK. It's proteinatious, and protein is not bad for you, although people don't need as much protein as the fitness industry often implies. It's better than a chocolate bar; it might not have too much salt. The problem is, the lean, fairly low-salt dry beef becomes the poster child for the shitty, fatty version that's covered in maltodextrin and sugar. So you can have a product that's fine, and it ends up representing a category that is not fine.' It would be outrageous, though, to brush past those products that are fine. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall makes his own charcuterie and has run courses doing so at River Cottage. He says, 'These are, at their best, irresistible products.' There's something about the time and imagination that goes into meat curing that unlocks the mystery of taste itself. You can tell what kind of life the animal lived, what it ate, where it hung out, who it was. 'A slower grown animal,' he continues, 'you've got more fat on it to play with, because it will have needed to put that on to protect it from the weather. That's why you turn to old breeds that are well bristled and grow slowly. You'll get marbling on that meat – the eye of a loin on an outdoor pig will have marbling, flecks of fat, like beef.' Andy Rogers, who runs North by Sud-Ouest with his wife in New Ferry, Wirral, won the World Charcuterie award in 2023 and the BBC Food Programme's best producer last year. He works on whole pigs, one at a time, 'because it means they're not part of some industrial production line. They've been rooting around and having a nice life.' He makes two products from the head alone, a fromage de tête nose-to-tail terrine, 'a fancy French brawn that I ripped off my old boss in France'. And then on through the length of the loin, which he makes into a coppa, to the tougher, sinewy hock parts, that'll be cooked into a cotechino. If he sells out, which he did after the food awards, it's two months before he can restock, because these products take as long as they take. Although Rogers is reluctant to mythologise the complexity of the cured meat – 'I'm not sure you can taste the acorns they've been eating' – he falls into an elegy when he tries to describe it. 'That Spanish stuff is a class apart. The actual Bellota pigs who've been trotting round in a massive range, eating acorns in season, having to walk five miles to get water, they've got a really distinct, musty, nutty thing going on. They can age that so long because it's so suffused with fat. That product is unrecreatable.' 'Curing meat privately, or at restaurant scale,' Fearnley-Whittingstall says, 'you don't have to use any additives at all, you can do that with salt.' It's still going to have high amounts of many of the wrong things, but you just wouldn't sweat it, any more than you would 'try to regulate homemade brownies', Van Tulleken says. 'You can't make them delicious enough and you don't make them often enough, and when you want to binge on them, you have to make them. The issue is the industrial process. The cheap ham and bacon is a massive source of saturated fat, salt, a lot of it is quite sugary, and it's probably also associated with other harmful factors like low incomes and generally poor diet.' Plus, you couldn't make yourself long-term ill on high-quality cured meat because you'd go bankrupt first. What's happened with processed meat is a microcosm of how the risk-aversion of regular capitalism in fact creates greater risk, insofar as the 'health and safety hoops to sell meat commercially demand the nitrates', Fearnely-Whittingstall says. 'If it's going off the premises and into the world, it can only do that with the belt and braces of additives.' Meanwhile, the anxieties of late capitalism drive completely counter-productive behaviours; fixated on finding individuated answers to an obesogenic and carcinogenic environment created by corporations, we end up eating the very thing that makes us fat and gives us cancer. It's actually pretty wild! But also, very tasty. Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
