Biologically and physiologically speaking, it’s true that “you are what you eat”. What we consume becomes us, literally.

I’ll leave the balance of the science on this point to those who know better, but in this post, I’d like to explore the notion that the same principle holds true when it comes to our belief system, our thoughts, our psychological make-up, and our outlook on life. What we consume in this regard also becomes us.

I enjoy photography, partly because I like the art form and appreciate compelling images and partly because I enjoy tinkering with the gear and technology. This includes cameras, lenses, computer programs to manipulate digital images, and all of the many other accessories and accoutrements that go along with the hobby. Much of this includes reading articles and watching videos on the subject and sometimes I find myself getting swept up in all of the hype and hysteria that goads me into thinking I need a new camera, an expensive lens, or a more advanced computer… in order to improve my craft. I then find myself reading gear reviews and comparison videos, scouring retail websites, and devising clever schemes to justify some new purchase.

Fortunately, most of the time… I come out of this self-induced haze and remember that some of the greatest and most memorable images of all time were taken on primitive – by today’s standards – equipment and processed without the aid of high-end computers. Buying things won’t improve the art. As I said, most of the time, I remember this. And so, as an antidote to all of the subtle and insidious marketing embedded within the articles and videos, I take a look at the masters and their work: Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, W. Eugene Smith, and Michael Kenna. I admire their work and become inspired to create something unique… not to buy stuff.

When I consume gear related content, I want more gear. When I consume art, I try to create art. I am what I consume.

Are you prone to this sort of thing too? If so, what are you consuming these days?

I believe it makes sense to take a periodic survey of how and with whom we spend our time. The author and entrepreneur, Jim Rohn, once said: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” In other words, we essentially take on the characteristics of those with whom we most interact. If we are surrounded by positivity and optimism, that rubs off on us. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true.

It’s worth making a regular assessment regarding those we’re associating with. The movies we watch and music we listen to. The books we read and podcasts we subscribe to. Binge watching shows is quite popular these days and so are we watching shows that affirm the value of life and which showcase favorable ideals? I have no doubt that all of us can distinguish between constructive and destructive influences, but the way we spend our time can shape us, even subtly. We can become numb to behaviors that once offended us. I remember watching sitcoms in the 1990s and being surprised by the shock value of some of the humor. When I see the reruns of those same episodes today, I barely notice what once felt insulting. What we consume influences us and changes us.

I enjoy listening to podcasts, especially during my sometimes long work commutes. At one time, I listened only to camera gear podcasts and was endlessly intrigued by new product announcements. I have deleted most of those and have added artist oriented podcasts. I’ve also subscribed to Catholic and Christian themed shows which delve deeply into the complicated issues facing our society today. I listen to the Liturgy of the Hours and Bible in a Year shows. And I still like action movies, but now more actively screen out the ones that glorify violence or objectify people.

I’ve decided to watch what I eat.

What are you consuming these days?