4 ms·
"Soylent is betting on the fact that consumers want to separate the nourishment of food from the ritual of eating. That's a bit like saying, 'We can offer you t
by dpapathanasiou 13y ago
"Soylent is betting on the fact that consumers want to separate the nourishment of food from the ritual of eating. That's a bit like saying, 'We can offer you the ability to reproduce without the inconvenience of having sex.'"
This is the best criticism of soylent; what they're doing just goes against the grain of how peoples' minds are wired.
Maybe it'll wind up gaining traction as a fad instead, like the meal replacement product on House of Lies[1] this past season[2].
[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLPhbw0IBk8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLPhbw0IBk8
[2] When I saw that episode, I wondered if it was meant as a deliberate spoof of soylent.
- gfodor 13y agoMany people eat mediocre or plain food, particularly for lunch. If you could substitute something that was healthier and more convenient you're not exactly forgoing "sex" if you are replacing a turkey sandwich, fast food, etc.
- _greim_ 13y ago> This is the best criticism of soylent I disagree. With sex, the enjoyment can be had no matter what, while the biological part (reproduction) is optional. But with food, it's often a mutually exclusive choice between enjoyment and biology (proper nutrition). Especially when you have three dollars and ten minutes to spare. So it isn't quite a valid comparison.
- pbreit 13y agoPeople's minds are wired basically to get whatever food they need to remain alive so I'm not sure quite what you mean. They are also wired to optimize repetitive actions.
- psychometry 13y agoI don't know about you, but my brain is not wired to go grocery shopping twice a week and spend an hour a day preparing 3 meals and cleaning up afterward.