225 Quotes by Mark Kurlansky

I am of that '60s generation, and for people of my age, that phrase 'change the world' has a real resonance.

Violence does not resolve. It always leads to more violence.

I think that Judaism has been, throughout its history since A.D. 70, a diaspora culture that's all about being a minority. In fact, being a small minority. When I'm in Israel, I cannot get used to the notion that we're all Jewish. It doesn't seem to me that we're supposed to all be Jewish.

In 'A Chosen Few,' I spent hours and hours listening to the pain of people of who had survived wondering why they survived and what their life means and what right do they have to survive.

Montserrat is a very pleasant place to do nothing. The islanders know this, and they know this is why tourists go there, but they are not totally comfortable with the notion.

Salt is an unusual food product because it is almost universal - all human beings need salt, and most choose to eat more than is necessary.

A water route to Chinese trade replacing the long, arduous Silk Road was a great dream of the Renaissance.

History shows that any attempt by government to interfere in the consumption of salt is always extremely unpopular.

I translated an Emile Zola book, 'The Belly of Paris,' because I didn't find an existing translation that captured his sense of humor. Humor is the first victim of translation.