Non-Cook of the Month
September, 2011
Bachelor Non-Cook Nate Heller
Interview With Non-Cook of the Month
Nate Heller
Nate Heller
Nate Heller holds an MA from The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (Johns Hopkins University) as well as an MBA from Yale School of Management (Yale University). He travels the world as an International Development Consultant.
Nate communicated over email to answer questions for Picky Grouchy Non-Cook...
Nate communicated over email to answer questions for Picky Grouchy Non-Cook...
Picky Grouchy Non-Cook: I understand that you've made a major contribution to the non-cook lexicon with a term you've called "an adjectival descriptor of the non-cook lifestyle." What is this term? Comments?
Nate Heller: The term is 'aculinary'. Like non-cook, I think it communicates a lack of participation in cooking without implying any negative feeling toward cooking or those who do participate in it. It occurred to me when thinking of a friend who used to say that she was not anti-social, just asocial.
PGN-C: As a non-cook, where do you stand on the qualities of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness?
Nate Heller: I strongly believe in them, and in some way would feel inauthentic in my non-cookliness (or aculinarity) if I felt that not-cooking made me less self-sufficient. What is more self-sufficient than being made happy by crackers? (though I admit I am always happy when more cookly folks offer me food they've made, and sometimes feel a slight envy at their capacities). I would also say that I do feel a certain pride in the one or two things I am able to cook. I sincerely believe that the chocolate cake I know how to make is the best in the world.
PGN-C:Do you have a non-cook motto?
Nate Heller: No.
PGN-C: I see... flying by the seat of your pants! As you should. Let's see: Do you think that non-cooks are a significant part of the social fabric?
Nate Heller: Yes. I think it's possible that cooks would get a lot less fulfillment out of cooking if some of us didn't think it was magic.
PGN-C: If you could trade being a non-cook for being a non-something else, would you? What would your new non be?
Nate Heller: So I'd have to start cooking and stop doing something else? I spose I might at some point have to trade being a non-cook for being a non-bachelor, though I suppose it depends who I wind up with, as you've shown how possible it is to maintain the non-cook lifestyle well into motherhood if you find the correct someone.
Nate Heller: The term is 'aculinary'. Like non-cook, I think it communicates a lack of participation in cooking without implying any negative feeling toward cooking or those who do participate in it. It occurred to me when thinking of a friend who used to say that she was not anti-social, just asocial.
PGN-C: As a non-cook, where do you stand on the qualities of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness?
Nate Heller: I strongly believe in them, and in some way would feel inauthentic in my non-cookliness (or aculinarity) if I felt that not-cooking made me less self-sufficient. What is more self-sufficient than being made happy by crackers? (though I admit I am always happy when more cookly folks offer me food they've made, and sometimes feel a slight envy at their capacities). I would also say that I do feel a certain pride in the one or two things I am able to cook. I sincerely believe that the chocolate cake I know how to make is the best in the world.
PGN-C:Do you have a non-cook motto?
Nate Heller: No.
PGN-C: I see... flying by the seat of your pants! As you should. Let's see: Do you think that non-cooks are a significant part of the social fabric?
Nate Heller: Yes. I think it's possible that cooks would get a lot less fulfillment out of cooking if some of us didn't think it was magic.
PGN-C: If you could trade being a non-cook for being a non-something else, would you? What would your new non be?
Nate Heller: So I'd have to start cooking and stop doing something else? I spose I might at some point have to trade being a non-cook for being a non-bachelor, though I suppose it depends who I wind up with, as you've shown how possible it is to maintain the non-cook lifestyle well into motherhood if you find the correct someone.
Note: It is true, as Nate suggests, that I -- Evan -- PGN-C interviewer, continue with my aculinary ways in spite of (or because of?) marriage and children and I wish the same for fellow non-cooks. For the full story on that, check HERE.