I also have a soft spot for spicy chicken wings. They are always

"I also have a soft spot for spicy chicken wings. They are always best eaten at dives and sports bars, like Wogie's in the West Village, New York City, near my house." These words from Gail Simmons echo a truth that transcends the superficiality of food itself. It is not simply the taste of spicy chicken wings that she loves, but the experience, the place, and the community that surrounds it. In her words, we find a reflection on the power of simplicity, the joy of authentic experiences, and the importance of connection—to people, places, and moments in time. To savor something as seemingly mundane as chicken wings in a dive bar is to embrace the raw, unpolished beauty of life.

In the ancient world, the gathering places—whether the agora of Athens or the forum of Rome—were more than just locations for commerce or politics; they were spaces where people connected, shared stories, and found joy in the company of others. These places, like the humble sports bars of today, provided the foundation for community. It was here that individuals came together not for the grandeur of fine dining or intellectual discourse, but for the simple pleasures of food, drink, and laughter. The true beauty of these moments was not in the perfection of the meal or the place, but in the authenticity of the experience—the shared humanity between those gathered.

Consider the legendary banquets of the ancient Greeks. While their feasts may have been lavish, with endless tables laden with delicacies, the true value of the gathering was not found in the wealth of the spread, but in the connections made between people, the stories told, and the laughter shared. Just as Gail Simmons finds joy in the simple act of eating spicy wings in a dive, the Greeks, too, understood that the greatest pleasures came from the people around the table, not the grandeur of the setting. The place where one eats—whether humble or grand—becomes a backdrop for the deeper, more enduring connections formed within it.

Similarly, Gail Simmons’ reflection on the humble dive bar echoes the wisdom of the Stoics who understood the importance of simplicity and authenticity. The Stoics, like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, lived lives focused not on the external trappings of luxury or status, but on the cultivation of virtue and the pursuit of inner peace. For them, joy was not found in the fleeting pleasures of wealth or power, but in the simple, enduring satisfaction of a life well-lived—free of pretense and filled with honesty and connection. Simmons, in her enjoyment of spicy wings at a modest spot in the West Village, embodies this idea—that true contentment comes not from perfection, but from embracing the beauty in simplicity and the authentic pleasures of life.

The ancient warrior cultures of Sparta or Rome also understood that the greatest experiences were not always those of extravagance, but those that were earned and shared. The warriors of Sparta were renowned for their rigorous discipline, but they also knew the importance of camaraderie. After a battle, they would often gather, not for lavish feasts, but for simple meals in the company of their comrades. There, they would find strength not in the richness of the food, but in the shared experience of the meal, the bond formed through hardship and mutual respect. Just as Simmons finds satisfaction in the simplicity of spicy chicken wings, these warriors knew that the richest moments were often those that cost little but offered the most in terms of connection and meaning.

What, then, is the lesson for us? In a world that often prizes luxury and perfection, we are reminded by Gail Simmons that true joy lies in the simple, the authentic, and the genuine. The value of an experience is not always in the quality of the food or the opulence of the setting, but in the connection it fosters. We must learn to appreciate not just the grand moments, but also the humble, everyday joys—the meals shared with friends in a modest setting, the laughter that accompanies a simple meal, and the peace that comes from a genuine connection with those around us.

In practical terms, take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures in your own life. Whether it’s sharing a meal with loved ones at a humble table, enjoying a drink in a modest bar, or savoring a favorite dish that brings comfort, these moments are the true riches of life. Seek out the places where you feel most connected, most authentic, and spend time nurturing the relationships that make life meaningful. By doing so, you will find that the greatest joys are often found in the simplest, most unassuming of places. Let us all strive to find beauty in the small, the simple, and the real, for it is here that life’s truest riches lie.