For many of us, Anthony Bourdain wasn’t just a chef. He wasn’t just a guy with a TV show. He wasn’t just someone who liked to travel. He was a source of inspiration—an exemplary human being who taught us how to live fully, listen carefully, and appreciate completely.
In the wake of his death by suicide, many of us who lived vicariously through Bourdain are finding further motivation through his lasting quotes. Here are some of the ones that have given me hope in the last few days—may they uplift and inspire you to never stop dreaming, never stop traveling, and never stop listening.
“As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life – and travel – leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks – on your body or on your heart – are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.”
“Be smart, but be open to the world.”
“It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn. Maybe that’s enlightenment enough: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom…is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.”
“If I am an advocate for anything, it is to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.”
Thank you, Anthony Bourdain. For everything.
P.S. You are not alone. Reach out. The national suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.
An American Astray 