We’re members of our local U3A (University of the Third Age) and whenever we’re at home between caravan trips I like to join a class or two. Recently I joined a Practical Philosophy class and have been thoroughly enjoying it.

This week we discussed the parable of the Prodigal Son and I am fascinated as to how these teachings have survived millennia and still apply to modern life. The Prodigal Son in particular as he left his family’s vineyard, sowed his wild oats, then found himself working in a pig farm before returning home to beg forgiveness from his father, who welcomed him back into the fold.

Applying that story to today after having read this week’s Good Food Guide in the newspaper it simply means that he, the prodigal son came to the realization that there is, and always will be greater margins to be made in producing wine than there is in organic pork. And why was his vigneron father so welcoming? He too realized that all that wine, women and song wasn’t such a bad thing and had probably sharpened his son’s palate.

Look out Socrates, I can’t wait for the next class!