From Norwegian moonshine to the pentobarbital sodium sipped by suicide tourists in Switzerland—and, in between, baby eels killed by an infusion of tobacco, a garlicky Spanish stew of bull’s testicles, tea laced with cocaine, and malodorous French cheese—Taras Grescoe has written a travelogue of forbidden indulgences.
As Grescoe crisscrosses the globe in pursuit of his quarry, he delves into questions of regional culture and repressive legislation—from the clandestine absinthe distillation in an obscure Swiss valley to the banning of poppy seed biscuits in Singapore—and launches into a philosophical investigation of what’s truly how something as fundamental as the plants and foods we consume could be so vilified and demonized.
An investigation into what thrills us, what terrifies us, and what would make us travel ten thousand miles and evade the local authorities, The Devil’s Picnic is a delicious and compelling expedition into the heart of vice and desire.
“Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be. The future’s not ours to see.” – Ray Evans and Jay Livingston
This song was a favourite while growing up among my friends and myself and we would sing it frequently when we had time in class and when we went on picnics and camps. The phrase “Que sera, sera” (pronounced “kay sair-uh, sair-uh”) is Spanish for “Whatever will be, will be.” It gained widespread popularity in the 1950s through the song of the same name, written by the legendary songwriting duo of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.
The song was first featured in the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” where it was sung by Doris Day. Although Day initially disliked the song and only recorded one take, it went on to become her signature song and a massive hit. The lyrics reflect the philosophy of accepting the future as it unfolds:
“When I was just a little girl, I asked my mother, ‘What will I be? Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?’ Here’s what she said to me: ‘Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be. The future’s not ours to see. Que sera, sera.'”
However, the phrase “Que sera, sera” actually predates the song. It was found carved in stone in the 1954 film “The Barefoot Contessa,” where it was translated by the character played by Rossano Brazzi as “What will be, will be.” Livingston and Evans recognised the potential of the phrase and crafted the now-iconic song around it.
The philosophy behind “Que sera, sera” is one of acceptance and letting go. It suggests that worrying about the future is futile, as it is not ours to control or predict. Instead, we should focus on the present moment and trust that whatever happens is meant to be.
The concept aligns closely with existentialist philosophy, which emphasises individual experience and the inherent uncertainty of life. Existentialism posits that life lacks inherent meaning, and individuals must navigate their existence amidst this ambiguity. So Que Sera, Sera reflects the acceptance of life’s unpredictability, resonating with existentialist themes of embracing uncertainty and the limits of control over one’s fate. This perspective encourages individuals to focus on the present and make choices despite the unknown future, embodying the existentialist belief in personal agency within an indifferent universe.
This concept is closely related to the Serenity Prayer, which asks for the wisdom to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. It is also reminiscent of the Buddhist teaching of non-attachment, which encourages letting go of desires and expectations to find peace and contentment.
In a world that often emphasises goal-setting, planning, and control, the idea of “Que sera, sera” can be a refreshing and liberating perspective. It acknowledges that life is unpredictable and that we cannot always predict or control the outcomes of our actions. By accepting this uncertainty and trusting in the flow of life, we can reduce stress, anxiety, and disappointment.
Adopting a “Que sera, sera” attitude can bring numerous benefits to our lives. When we let go of the need to control every aspect of our lives, we free ourselves from the burden of constant worry and stress. By accepting that some things are beyond our control, we can focus our energy on what we can influence and let go of the rest. By embracing the unpredictability of life, we build resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. When we face challenges or setbacks, we can approach them with a mindset of flexibility and openness rather than rigidity and resistance. By not fixating on the future, we can fully engage with and appreciate the present moment. We can savour the joys and pleasures of daily life rather than constantly looking ahead to the next goal or milestone. When we let go of expectations and attachments, we reduce the risk of disappointment. If things don’t turn out as we had hoped, we can more easily accept the situation and move forward, rather than getting stuck in regret or bitterness. Embracing “Que sera, sera” can foster a sense of trust in the larger forces at work in the universe. Whether one believes in God, fate, or simply the natural flow of life, trusting that things happen for a reason can provide a sense of comfort and security in the face of uncertainty.
Adopting a “Que sera, sera” mindset doesn’t mean abandoning all planning or goal-setting. It simply means striking a balance between taking action and letting go of the need to control the outcome. Here are some ways to incorporate this philosophy into your daily life:
Practice Acceptance: When faced with a situation that is out of one’s control, consciously practice acceptance. Acknowledge the reality of the situation, let go of any resistance or resentment, and focus the energy on what one can influence.
Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly expressing gratitude for the good things in one’s life can help shift one’s focus from what one lacks to what one already has. This practice can foster a sense of abundance and appreciation, even in the face of uncertainty.
Embrace Flexibility: Be willing to adapt and change course when necessary. Rigidly clinging to a specific outcome can lead to disappointment and frustration. Instead, approach life with a flexible mindset, ready to pivot and explore new possibilities as they arise.
Trust the Process: When working towards a goal or facing a challenge, trust that the process is unfolding as it should. Have faith that even if the outcome is not what one expected, one will learn and grow from the experience. Celebrate the small victories along the way.
Seek Balance: Strive for a balance between taking action and letting go. Set goals and make plans, but hold them lightly. Engage fully in the present moment while also keeping an eye on the future. By finding this balance, one can make the most of their life while still embracing the unpredictability of the journey.
The song “Que Sera, Sera” has endured for over 60 years, with covers by artists ranging from Sly and the Family Stone to The Carpenters. Its enduring appeal speaks to the timeless wisdom of its message. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the idea of accepting and embracing the flow of life can be a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety. By letting go of the need to control every aspect of one’s lives, one can find greater peace, joy, and resilience.
Of course, adopting a “Que sera, sera” mindset is not always easy. It requires practice, patience, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone. But by making small steps towards acceptance and flexibility, one can gradually transform one’s relationship with uncertainty and embrace the adventure of life.
In the end, “Que sera, sera” is not just a catchy song lyric, but a profound invitation to live with greater presence, trust, and resilience. By embracing the uncertainty of the future and focusing on the beauty of the present moment, one can find a sense of freedom and joy that transcends the ups and downs of life.
So take a cue from Doris Day and her mother in the song and let go of worries about what the future may hold. Instead, trust in the flow of life, embrace the journey, and sing along with the chorus:
“Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be. The future’s not ours to see. Que sera, sera.”
Throughout her childhood, Safiya Sinclair’s father, a volatile reggae musician and militant adherent to a strict sect of Rastafari, became obsessed with her purity, in particular, with the threat of what Rastas call Babylon, the immoral and corrupting influences of the Western world outside their home. He worried that womanhood would make Safiya and her sisters morally weak and impure, and believed a woman’s highest virtue was her obedience.
In an effort to keep Babylon outside the gate, he forbade almost everything. In place of pants, the women in her family were made to wear long skirts and dresses to cover their arms and legs, head wraps to cover their hair, no make-up, no jewelry, no opinions, no friends. Safiya’s mother, while loyal to her father, nonetheless gave Safiya and her siblings the gift of books, including poetry, to which Safiya latched on for dear life. And as Safiya watched her mother struggle voicelessly for years under housework and the rigidity of her father’s beliefs, she increasingly used her education as a sharp tool with which to find her voice and break free. Inevitably, with her rebellion come clashes with her father, whose rage and paranoia explodes in increasing violence. As Safiya’s voice grows, lyrically and poetically, a collision course is set between them.
A few weeks back GG asked me if I wanted fruits from the supermarket. On an impulse, I asked her to buy some plums so I could make this plum chutney. On the day I was supposed to make the chutney, I realised we had some fresh pineapple at home which was quite sour and no one wanted to eat it. So I decided to incorporate the pineapples plus some ginger into the chutney and the result was this tangy and slightly sweet pineapple, plum and ginger chutney.
Plum, Pineapple and Ginger Chutney
Ingredients:
8 red/purple plums
½ fresh pineapple
1 cup raisins or dates
2 inch piece of ginger, peeled
Salt to taste
1-2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
2 tsp cumin powder
½ tsp fennel powder
Jaggery powder to taste (optional)
Method:
Soak the raisins or dates in hot water for 30 minutes, drain and keep aside.
Deseed the plums and chop them into small pieces.
Blend the pineapple, plums, ginger and raisins into a smooth paste.
Strain this paste into a large pan so there are no lumps. At this point, it will be a light pink or red mixture.
Heat the pan and let the mixture come to a boil. You can add a bit of water if needed.
Add the dry spices – salt, red chilli powder and cumin powder and let the mixture bubble and cook until it thickens.
If the mixture is still sour, add some brown sugar or jaggery to balance the taste.
Switch off the gas and let the chutney cool. Once it cools, it becomes a gorgeous purple chutney.
This chutney can be used instead of tamarind chutney and keeps well in the fridge for a few weeks. Remember to use a dry spoon when using it, so there is no contamination.
Today’s quote comes to us from the American composer, conductor, and teacher, known for his contributions to both classical and modern music, Truman Fisher. Born in 1902, Fisher composed symphonic works, operas, and chamber music. He was also a teacher who deeply influenced his students with his philosophy of music and art, emphasising the importance of all elements in composition—especially silence, or the “pause.” Fisher’s quote highlights the significance of balance and timing in all forms of creation and life. The quote suggests that moments of rest, reflection, or silence, aka the pause, are just as crucial as moments of action, expression,, or the note. These pauses provide depth, structure, and meaning in music, conversation, or life. In music, pauses between notes create rhythm and tension, allowing the listener to fully appreciate each note. Similarly, in life, taking time to pause allows us to reflect, recharge, and gain clarity before moving forward. The quote encourages the idea that patience and mindfulness—allowing space for pauses—are essential for growth and creativity. It’s a reminder not to rush through life, but to embrace moments of stillness. Isn’t this food for thought?
This was a pretty quiet week where we all recovered from the past two weekends of partying. I have been reading a lot the past few weeks and will update my stats next week. My walking and steps are also going well, so that’s a win in my book. BB & GG are busy with their lives, and nothing of note happened this week.
Memories and Such 