Anyone who’s witnessed Julia Child on TV knows without a doubt that the woman was witty. And not just when it came to good-natured cracks about her ambling about in the kitchen. Julia had ample opinions and observations, bless her, about most things—and she wasn’t shy about sharing them. Today, on what would have been her 99th birthday, we found ourselves more than a little nostalgic for Julia’s inimitable way with words. Here, a glimpse at one of the interviews with her that we treasure the most, conducted with Esquires’s Mike Sager years ago and titled, quite aptly, “What I’ve Learned.”—Renee Schettler Rossi
- Fat gives things flavor.
- People are uncertain because they don’t have the self-confidence to make decisions.
- The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile. I think of my strawberry soufflé. I did that at least twenty-eight times before I finally conquered it.
- Playing golf with men can throw off your stroke.
- I’m all for hunger among the well-to-do. For comfortable people, hunger is a very nice quality. For one thing, it means you’re healthy. And I love the anticipation.
- Being tall is an advantage, especially in business. People will always remember you. And if you’re in a crowd, you’ll always have some clean air to breathe.
- There is nothing worse than grilled vegetables.
- Celebrity has its uses: I can always get a seat in any restaurant.
- I was faced by my nieces and good friends and told I shouldn’t drive my car anymore. Actually, I find I’m not quite as alert as I used to be, and it would be awful to kill somebody. So now I don’t drive, and it is real hell, because you can’t rush down to the store and get a bunch of parsley if you have the whim, or do something like that. It’s just awful not driving, because you have to depend on other people. You get used to it, though. They have a bus here—I haven’t tried it yet, but I shall.
- A cookbook is only as good as its poorest recipe.
- I hate organized religion. I think you have to love thy neighbor as thyself. I think you have to pick your own God and be true to him. I always say “him” rather than “her.” Maybe it’s because of my generation, but I don’t like the idea of a female God. I see God as a benevolent male.
- Tears mess up your makeup.
- I’m awfully sorry for people who are taken in by all of today’s dietary mumbo jumbo. They are not getting any enjoyment out of their food.
- Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health. You need to enjoy the good things in life, but you need not overindulge.
- I went into a doctor’s office the other day and all the people—you know, the nurses and the receptionists and even the patients—were sort of short-tempered and not very nice. And it made me think, I just want to bop them over the head. It’s terribly important to keep a good temper.
- I don’t eat between meals. I don’t snack. Well, I do eat those little fish crackers. They’re fattening, but irresistible.
- If you’re in a good profession, it’s hard to get bored, because you’re never finished—there will always be work you haven’t yet done.
- The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time.
- The problem with the world right now is that we don’t have any politicians like Roosevelt or Churchill to give us meaning and depth. We don’t have anyone who’s speaking for the great and the true and the noble. What we need now is a heroic type, someone who could rally the people to higher deeds. I don’t know what’s to become of us.
- You must have discipline to have fun.
- Drama is very important in life: You have to come on with a bang. You never want to go out with a whimper. Everything can have drama if it’s done right. Even a pancake.
- I don’t believe in heaven. I think when we die we just go back to the great ball of energy that makes up the universe.
- Hell only exists on earth, when you’ve made mistakes and you’re paying for them.
- I don’t think about whether people will remember me or not. I’ve been an okay person. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve taught people a thing or two. That’s what’s important. Sooner or later the public will forget you, the memory of you will fade. What’s important are the individuals you’ve influenced along the way.
- Always remember: If you’re alone in the kitchen and you drop the lamb, you can always just pick it up. Who’s going to know?
Hungry for Julia’s recipes? Chow down on these:
© 2011 Excerpted from Eat Like a Man | Permission granted by Chronicle Books. All rights reserved.
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Words to live by.
Tis true, An.
Well put, An.
Thanks for posting this. It’s the perfect antidote for Rachael Ray (et.al.)
Sure thing, Mike.
Julia taught me how to cook. I miss her more than I can say.
We share your sentiment, Jean. I was glued to WGBH-TV when I as growing up.
I am not among those whom Julia taught to cook in a literal sense, however… she DID teach me how to keep it all real in the kitchen, how to really enjoy food itself and the process. You know, with more life and humor than my own tendencies toward perfection or worrying I’m “doing it right.” (Hmm… come to think of it, maybe this means that she DID teach me to cook after all!) Thanks for commenting.
Lovely! I still remember a demonstration by Julia at Macy’s Herald Square many years ago when she did the chicken bit – let it drop to the floor, picked it up, dusted it off and said that only she was in the kitchen, no one would know what had happened. She was a treasure and is much missed by me and thousands more.
Louise, what a priceless memory to cherish. I wish I could have seen Julia in person, but alas. I did catch some broadcasts, and of course I have her cookbooks. Her wisdom, determination, and just plain “real-ness” are indeed missed. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Louise,
She was the greatest, wasn’t she? I remember my mom managed to flip over an apple pie while taking it out of the oven. She just flipped it back over, covered it with ice cream and called it Apple Pie a la Julia Child. No one ever knew.
What a priceless memory, Beth! Simply priceless.
I love this! It is simple and true perfection. And most people have forgotten most of the simple truths in life. Love Love Love this! Can’t say it enough! :-)
Jessica, you said a mouthful: simply truths. And it’s the only way to live–simply and truthfully.
Sometimes little bits are all you need to get a good glimpse of the big picture and this list is a wonderful example. I love the randomness which really reflects how people learn things in life. “Live and eat for your own pleasure” is the big message I’m getting from her words. Now that’s something I’ll embrace forever!
Yes, Chiyo, our lessons come unexpectedly at random moments…if only we’re aware and paying attention.
We can definitely learn a lot from Julia Child – thanks for sharing this! I fondly remember watching the French Chef series years ago.
I know! This interview in particular comes close to containing all the life lessons one could want. Use fat in your cooking, don’t snack (except for goldfish crackers), keep a good temper, and don’t cry. It messes up your makeup.
Thanks for sharing this! Simple truths! Great learning!
You’re welcome, Anna. Yup. Simple truths. Great learning. That’s our Julia!
From the first time on a tiny TV to Saturday Night Live skit to Cooking with Jacques, Julia will always be in my mind with a giggle inside!!
“There is nothing worse than grilled vegetables.” I’ll drink to that!
Several years ago E and I were at a barbecue joint, sitting on barstools amid empty peanut shells, scarfing down ribs when we saw an order of grilled vegetables go by. It included celery. Grilled celery! Gack.
What a wonderful list. I just love Julia. I think my fave quote of hers is “People who love to eat are always the best people.”
Love that you listed these quotes. She is by far and large the one woman who really did change the landscape for female chefs and chefs in general. So down to earth, not an elitist bone in her body.
One of my favorite quotes by her came off one of her Baking with Julia shows on PBS. The person baking with her accidentally cracked some egg shell into the cake batter. Before they could fish it out – Julia “OH, leave it in there, extra calcium!”, and she meant it! :)
What a great read! Thank you for this. I needed a good smile, chuckle and out right laugh. Oh Julia!
You’re quite welcome, Heather. We’re with you on that…how many times over the years have we read or watched her as she’s her inimitable self and thought, oh Julia!
Really enjoyed this post. Would recommend “Best of the French Chef” DVDs (Netflix has them) including the extras for some absolutely remarkable perspective on a stunning woman. To move to France and come away with her body of work and experience-not just on cooking but on a life well-lived– is a landmark for all of us to aspire to….
I learnt something today. I discovered your site filled with goodies and a serving of Julia sayings! Growing up in South Africa in the ’60′s, we did not have TV at all in the nation (horrors). So no Julia Child on the air, but I do remember my mother using and abusing the large lady’s recipe book, with spills, messy fingers, and rabid dog eared pages. A devout woman, she once ventured in a low voice–”my other bible.”
As a kitchen designer, I was struck by Julia’s kitchen once on view in DC. So Simple, so functional–sentiments echoed by many of the comments on your site.
Peter, we’re so glad we could be part of your lesson today. And welcome to LC! I think you’ll find it a friendly place, with plenty of rigorously tested recipe and a good heaping of award-wining food writing.