Food is the “F” in Life

Everywhere I have lived, I have seen one undeniable truth: people labor, people innovate, and at the heart of it all is food. Food sustains us, drives economies, and dictates the rhythms of our lives. It is both the reason we work and the reward of our labor.

We Labor, we Innovate, for Food and Earnings. That’s the spelling of L.I.F.E. Yes—food is the F in life, and I am reminded of that two to three times a day. Every meal I eat is a testament to labor and innovation. Someone tilled the soil, raised the livestock, harvested the crops, transported the goods, and prepared the meal. It is easy to take food for granted in a world where it appears neatly packaged on store shelves or plated in restaurants, but behind every bite lies an intricate system of work and creativity.

From the earliest days of civilization, human survival has hinged on our ability to labor and innovate in pursuit of food and earnings. The first agrarian societies thrived because they mastered farming and food storage. The industrial revolution saw the birth of mass food production, changing economies and livelihoods forever. And today, we witness constant breakthroughs in food technology - vertical farming, plant-based meat, AI-driven supply chains - all innovations aimed at feeding people and sustaining economies.

Work and Innovation: The Foundations of Life

The two things that should constitute the primary education of every human being are learning how to work and how to innovate. These two are critical for eating - and for earning. The Apostle Paul put it plainly in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”

Work and innovation are the twin pillars that sustain not only life itself but also livelihoods. Throughout history, those who have labored diligently and thought creatively have not only managed to feed themselves but have also earned wealth and security.

Promo of Kitchen Copilot co-founded by Noah Manyika and Scott Forsyth

Consider Jacob, a man who understood this deeply. When he worked for Laban, he did not merely toil - he innovated. He used selective breeding, leveraging natural patterns to multiply his flock in ways others overlooked. He was strategic, diligent, and creative. As a result, he not only survived but thrived, accumulating great wealth and securing a future for his family.

This same pattern repeats throughout history:

• The farmer who discovers a better way to grow crops.

• The chef who transforms a simple dish into a sought-after delicacy.

• The entrepreneur who builds a business around feeding others.

They all combine labor and innovation not just to eat, but to earn. Food production and distribution form the backbone of economies. The same principles that ensure food on the table also ensure financial stability: disciplined work, resourcefulness, and the ability to adapt and create.

An original recipe by Phillis and Noah Manyika for Ama's Kitchen

Food and the Economy: A Driving Force

Food is more than just sustenance; it is a fundamental force that shapes human existence. It has fueled economies from the spice trade of the ancient world to the billion-dollar global fast-food industry. Entire nations rise and fall based on food security - famines have triggered migrations, wars have been fought over resources, and trade agreements revolve around agriculture and food exports.

The largest companies in the world today - from Amazon to Walmart - are heavily invested in food logistics because food is not just about survival - it’s about commerce. Even technology giants like Google and Apple understand this, offering gourmet meals in their campuses to fuel innovation. Where there is food, there is an economy.

Beyond economics, food builds communities. Families gather around meals, cultures are defined by their cuisine, and friendships are forged over shared plates. Food is a universal language, and its importance cannot be overstated.

The L.I.F.E. Principle: A Reminder for Every Day

So, the next time you sit down to eat, remember: food is the “F” in life, but life itself is a combination of Labor, Innovation, Food, and Earnings.

Labor - because nothing of value comes without effort.

Innovation - because creativity is the key to growth.

Food - because it sustains and nourishes.

Earnings - because work and innovation should lead to provision.

The ability to work, create, and earn is a gift - one that should be stewarded wisely. Every meal is a reminder of that. It is both a necessity and a privilege, a call to action and a reason for gratitude. What we do with this truth determines not just how we eat, but how we live.