Someone once said: everything you can find in the world, you can find in Paris. It’s a comprehensive city, to be sure, but more options don’t necessarily make an easier quest. Even for something seemingly simple as a box of chocolate. Paris has some of the world’s finest chocolate, and not only does the city have multiple chocolateries, but each arrondissement has multiple chocolateries, each with a specific mission, specialty, expertise, and je ne sais quoi. If you are delightfully lucky to find yourself in Paris, it’s just not enough to ask, “where can I buy some chocolate?” The divine quest for chocolate requires a little deeper thought, some self-reflection -- maybe even on a higher, existential level, don’t you think? Me too.
Existentialism = giving life meaning, by living one’s life passionately and sincerely, despite existential obstacles and distractions like despair and angst. (Kierkegaard’s)
Chocolate-Covered Existentialism = truly great chocolate, in all its decadent forms, gives one a moment of pure, unadulterated, sincere passion and satisfaction, despite obstacles like cellulite added to one’s posterior region.
Existential Angst = the experience that results from simply having the freedom to choose how to give life meaning, i.e., the responsibility of consequences. Angst cannot be removed. Angst is, because existentialism is.
Chocolate Angst = waistline expansion due to the delicious caloric properties of chocolate, a well-known consequence. Calories cannot be removed. (Diet chocolate is not chocolate.) Calories are, because truffles are.
Don’t let the unavoidable angst get you down. This philosophical thought of pursuing life does not mean to do without or suffer through, but rather to go forth, live well, eat, drink, & be merry, despite the perceived downside. Really good chocolate is, after all, one of life’s more sublime little pleasures, and without a doubt, worth every calorie. Albert Camus, an existential philosopher, also believed in chocolate existentialism -- he said, “There is scarcely any passion without chocolate.” (or was it “struggle?” ... I doubt it ... who wants struggle?) However, if those endearing, little butt dimples cause enough angst to retard your ganache-filled pursuit, well, that’s why the good lord gave us treadmills.
The Best Chocolate Shops in Paris to Pursue with Pleasure & Sincere Meaning: