Shame is the work of memory against forgetting. Shame is what we feel when we almost entirely - yet not entirely - forget social expectations and our obligations to others in favor of our immediate gratification.
In "Eating Animals," Jonathan Safran Foer explores the concept of shame, defining it as the interplay between memory and the urge to forget. He suggests that shame arises when we momentarily neglect societal norms and our responsibilities to others, prioritizing our own desires over broader ethical considerations.
This reflection emphasizes the tension between personal gratification and social accountability. As we navigate our choices, especially regarding food, the feeling of shame serves as a reminder of our obligations to the community and the impact of our actions on others.
