I was a vegetarian until I started leaning toward the sunlight.

The quote "I was a vegetarian until I started leaning toward the sunlight" by Rita Rudner is a humorous reflection on the unpredictable nature of human behavior and desires. Rudner, known for her witty and quirky comedy, often uses irony and self-deprecation in her work. In this quote, she plays with the idea of a personal change or shift in habits, specifically regarding her vegetarian lifestyle. The phrase "leaning toward the sunlight" is metaphorical, suggesting a natural pull or desire for something different, possibly something more indulgent or natural, like the temptation of eating non-vegetarian food.

The origin of this quote is tied to Rudner's comedic style, where she often makes light of everyday situations. By contrasting her former vegetarian habits with her newfound attraction to sunlight, she humorously suggests that just as plants naturally reach toward the sun, humans too might follow their instincts or desires, often in unexpected ways. The quote invites the audience to reflect on how even our most firmly held beliefs or practices can change when influenced by new experiences or feelings.

This quote also reflects a larger theme in Rudner's work, where she explores self-awareness and the fluidity of personal identity. The shift from vegetarianism to something else in the quote symbolizes how we all go through phases of transformation. Just as a plant cannot resist growing toward the light, people can sometimes find themselves drawn to change, even when it seems contrary to their past choices.

Ultimately, Rita Rudner's quote is an amusing commentary on human nature: our desires, beliefs, and even our lifestyles can shift in unexpected ways, influenced by external and internal forces.