One should eat to live, not live to eat.

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Molière, the famous French playwright and actor, best known for his comedies, such as Tartuffe, The Misanthrope, and The Imaginary Invalid.

“One should eat to live, not live to eat.”
— Molière

Context and Background

Molière’s quote reflects his satirical view on human nature, which often criticized excess, hypocrisy, and vanity. This quote specifically addresses the excessive focus on food and indulgence, urging people to maintain a healthy perspective on eating and life. Molière uses this line to highlight how some people become overly obsessed with the act of eating, treating it as an end in itself, rather than recognizing it as a means to sustain life. The quote likely critiques the human tendency to prioritize pleasures such as eating, which can lead to gluttony or overindulgence, over more meaningful pursuits.

Interpretation

• “One should eat to live” — eating is essential for survival, and should be viewed as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.

• “Not live to eat” — suggests that life should not revolve around the constant pursuit of pleasures such as food. Instead, life should have more meaningful and purposeful goals that go beyond satisfying immediate desires.

Summary

Molière’s quote encourages moderation and self-discipline in how we approach eating, reminding us that food should be a tool for survival, not the focus of our lives. This perspective calls for a balance, suggesting that people should prioritize deeper aspects of life over the immediate gratification that comes from indulgence in pleasures like food. The quote fits within Molière’s broader critique of human folly and excessive behaviors that distract from a more purposeful existence.