RIP Anthony Bourdain

Although his assumption is baseless, it is certainly not uninformed. Overprescription of anti-depressants, especially SSRIs, are at the root of this suicide issue. Whether or not it was part of the problem in this case, I don't know, as I haven't read that. Unless he's heard differently, that does, indeed, make it speculation, and it is probably way too soon to make comments like this. Just morn the guy and recognize his legacy. Theorize about causation later after the sting as worn off.

 

But the original comment/speculation is uninformed in the sense that it is based on no evidence and therefore relies on stereotyping and flawed logic.

 

I know it's already been written maybe in different terms. But what impressed, and entertained me the most was that he could go to some jungle somewhere where we've never heard of. And then in the next episode he would be in France surrounded by the world's so-called top chefs. And he would be able to fit in and inform, entertain, and be humbled in both places. One of a Kind!

 

From a beer perspective - he gets demerits for having a Guinness in London at Princess Victoria Pub with Nigella in a 2016 episode...in the cradle of cask ale....other than that I have nothing but great thoughts about this complex and entertaining dude. RIP AB.

 

Unapologist...No BS. "Don't love any one thing to much." I use that motto in beer drinking

 

I just now saw the episode where Bourdain and Obama were dining in a very local Hanoi restaurant. It was not an interview, but it was a melding of culture and time. Both men were very cool, relaxed, and just as real as possible. I miss Obama and I miss Anthony. Bourdain went on to explain very concisely how the war never thought of the people on the ground. His journalism was never appreciated as much while he was alive as it will be in time.

 

I absolutely loved the guy.

His approach to food was just fantastic and something I bond with. Yes he can turn it on and make it important, but he also knew when to just enjoy something that was good, as he said, without having to think about it too much.

Guy loves amazing food, and then goes and slams some In n Out.

Kitchen confidential is a great read, and brought back a lot of memories as well for me.

Going to miss him.

 

I always enjoyed his work. I really admired him more after I heard his interview on NPRs fresh air program ... really interesting Guy.

 

No they aren't. And you have absolutely no data other than your own internal blathering to support saying that they are.

 

It’s amazing to see how many people he had made an impact on during these past few days. People I wouldn’t have expected in the least to care anything about the experiences of food, travel, or his brilliant and unapologetic writing; we all share that bond for exploration that he only drove deeper into us. To desire the unknown instead of fearing it.

Suicide is unfathomably complicated, and it always leaves endless speculation and loose ends. We should always work to be the most compassionate version of ourselves. A little heart and communication goes a long way.

I plan on brewing a Saison with Szechuan peppercorn in his honor. We all know he loved the hot shit.

Rest In Peace, Tony

 

One of their main side effects is an increase in suicidal thoughts. This has been studied for years. For you to say otherwise means that you're either ignoring the studies or too dumb to understand them, because there's no way that you don't know that they exist.

https://www.bmj.com/content/358/bmj.j3697/rr-4

https://www.pharmaceutical-journal....althy-adults/20201834.article?firstPass=false

 

The fact that the psychoactive drugs can lead to an increase in suicidal thoughts as a side effect does not mean that "they are at the root of this suicidal issue," to quote your words.

There are other factors that play a much stronger role in the demographics of suicides, e.g., depression, prior history of substance abuse, lack of access to mental health care, etc.

To claim that psychoactive drugs are "at the root of this suicidal issue" over simplifies and trivializes the situation. Such drugs could be eliminated completely and the problem won't go away. The problem existed before the development of psychoactive drugs.

 

Even the tragic death of a beloved figure can’t stand in the way of Male Answer Syndrome. Yeah sure it’s sad and whatnot but the important thing to discuss here is that my theory of why it happened is the best one.

 

Was traveling in Alsace to Paris, had just visited the town where Bourdain was found dead, when we heard of the news. Tragic. As I've said many times the last 2-3 years, the "wrong" old people (and in this case not old) are dying. Sucks...

 

Nobody's saying that they're the ONLY cause, simply that the overprescription of said chemicals is among the main ones.

 

Wrong.

Somebody was saying that.

You.

 

Agree, but since I'm not advancing any theory as to why it happened you might also might want to let those who are advancing a theory know how you feel as well. Effectively we're both making the same point.

 

Such a huge influence on my life as well as countless others - he'll truly be missed.

"Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s OK. The journey changes you; it should change you... You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind" - Anthony Bourdain

 

RIP Anthony, I always enjoy watching his shows. To me though, I sensed an underlying melancholy note that suggested to me that he had some demons to contend with. I can't and won't speculate on why he decided to end his life but I will miss his perspective on travel, food and the world in general.

 

Thanks for pointing that out. I wanted to say something, but for some reason I resisted the urge. The problem is deeply rooted in in most human cultures and there is no simple way to begin to understand it or describe why people kill themselves. Each situation is uniquely a personal narrative, most often without any answer as to why it happened. It can be completely mystifying; no drugs, no seeming depression, no lack of potential mental health help. I know of two families very close to me that have a seeming suicide gene. Siblings, parent then child, and going back generations. Often people who commit suicide are very creative individuals.