I said to my friends that if I was going to starve, I might as well starve where the food is good.

The quote "I said to my friends that if I was going to starve, I might as well starve where the food is good." is attributed to Virgil Thomson, a prominent American composer and music critic known for his witty commentary and innovative contributions to 20th-century classical music. This quote reflects his characteristically dry humor and pragmatic optimism, capturing the tension between artistic ambition and economic struggle, particularly common among creatives pursuing their passions.

At its core, the quote humorously acknowledges the financial uncertainty faced by many artists, especially early in their careers. Thomson is believed to have made this remark when explaining his decision to move to Paris, a city famed not only for its culinary excellence but also for its vibrant artistic community. By saying he’d rather "starve where the food is good," he cleverly juxtaposes poverty with pleasure, implying that even in hardship, one can find beauty and joy in the right environment.

The quote also reflects a deeper philosophy about choosing quality of life and creative inspiration over material security. For Thomson and many of his contemporaries, being surrounded by culture, art, and fine cuisine—even without wealth—was preferable to living in a place devoid of such stimulation. It speaks to a mindset that values experience, aesthetic richness, and personal fulfillment more than financial comfort alone.

Ultimately, Virgil Thomson’s quote is a wry celebration of the artist’s journey—marked by sacrifice, but also by intention and taste. It encourages us to face challenges with a sense of humor and elegance, and to seek environments that nourish the soul, even if they don’t always fill the pocket. His words continue to resonate with dreamers who choose passion over practicality and who find value in living richly, even with less.