This probably seems like an odd choice of topic for a philosopher who is known for being a tad obsessive about good nutrition, on a website where you can browse and buy half a dozen different nutrition, performance and healthy habits plans.

Over the pandemic period, food has played prominently in our thoughts and deeds. That’s understandable, when there's not much else to do. On Butter is the second in a consumption-themed set of four Philosopher-In-Residence blogs, which will take a look at how our relationship with food is changing, and what agency we have in that agenda for change.

The weather and Brexit must be lamenting their fall down the rankings since Covid-19 displaced them as the top depressing topic for discussion by the great British public.

As we move further along the roadmap this week, some are overjoyed about the prospects of becoming more "safely social", whilst others are feeling on edge about leaving behind the quietude of isolation for the pressures of modern life. Since it's April Fool's Day today, we've decided that being daft is the order of the day.

This Philosopher-In-Residence is exploring these concerns, using the theme of butter, to help smooth over (geddit?!) any of your current-worldly worries…

Question: Why Does The Bread Always Fall Butter Side Down?

Answer: It doesn't. It just feels like it at the moment. We're all fed up of lockdown, freaked out, and potentially other feelings starting with F that we won't go into here.

MMAP prescribes: Head out into your private garden or other permitted recreation space. Insouciantly frisbee 10 slices of buttered bread (gluten free, vegan and paleo alternatives are all permitted). Note how many times said slice falls buttered side down. Repeat if necessary until it falls buttered side up, thus disproving the pessimistic theory/cheering yourself up.

Question: How Can Someone Butter Me Up?

Answer: All depends on your moral compass.

MMAP prescribes: Choose the die hard principle of your choice. Start with £1,000 and work your way up to £1billion, in the increments of your choice. Note at what point said die hard principle becomes something you'd be much more open to compromise on.

Question: What Side Is Your Bread Buttered?

Answer: This probably lies close to home, but you're so fed up of staying local this answer isn't on the tip of your tongue right now.

MMAP prescribes: Casually stroll through your abode, pausing to eat the buttered (or vegan equivalent) delicious item of your choice in each room. Decide if pondering the meaning of life is really necessary before the pubs reopen. Repeat until you're too full to care/you run out of butter.

Next fortnight, the culinary-themed mini-series continues for those of you who may be reflecting on the lockdown effect on waistlines and energy levels. On April 15th, I’ll be musing On Cake.

Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this topic you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning