Alice B. Toklas Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Rosemary is for remembrance."

This quote by Alice B. Toklas, taken from Shakespeare's "Hamlet," suggests that rosemary serves as a symbol of remembrance or memory. The phrase is reminiscent of the play, where Ophelia gives flowers to Hamlet - including rosemary – as a token for remembering her love and advice amidst his grief and madness. In this context, Toklas subtly conveys that not only does rosemary have an olfactory stimulation to aid memory but also carries emotional significance for recollection and remembrance of loved ones or important moments in life.

"One has fashion and one has style. I think fashion is the outside and style is what you are on the inside and that will always show."

Alice B. Toklas' quote suggests a distinction between 'fashion', which she defines as external appearance or trends, and 'style', which she sees as an inner essence that is revealed over time. Fashion is temporary and subject to change, while style is timeless and authentic, reflecting one's personality and character. Toklas implies that true style comes from within and cannot be faked or imitated, as it is a reflection of one's inner self.

"Gardens are not made by singing 'Oh, how beautiful!' and sitting in the shade."

This quote by Alice B. Toklas suggests that creating a beautiful garden is an active process, involving effort and work beyond merely admiring its beauty. It encourages readers to engage with their gardens, not just passively appreciate them. In other words, it takes action, hard work, and dedication to cultivate a garden's beauty.

"Life is a combination of magic and pasta."

The quote suggests that life, in the eyes of Alice B. Toklas, is a blend of two seemingly disparate elements – magic (the mysterious, the unexplainable, the wondrous) and pasta (a common, everyday food item). This metaphor may imply that just as pasta can be both simple comfort food and a complex dish with multiple ingredients, life too can be both mundane and extraordinary. The magical moments in life, like the rare and exotic ingredients in a gourmet pasta dish, make it unique and memorable, while the everyday experiences, like cooking pasta, are what binds us together as human beings. In essence, Toklas invites us to appreciate the magic that exists within our ordinary lives.

"I think one's family is most likely to know one best, and I suspect God does too."

This quote suggests that one's immediate family holds a profound understanding of an individual because they share intimate details of life together. It further implies that this familial knowledge extends even to God, who, like our families, is privy to the essential aspects of our being and character. In essence, it highlights the unique bond and insight shared among family members, likening it to a divine perspective.