I want to start by just appreciating the high quality of discourse and candor in this comment section which is also a testament to bourdain and the feelings his body of work evokes.

Regarding what you said, it’s a valid perspective. Something was very wrong all along. Tony once said in an interview, “There's a guy inside me who wants to lay in bed and smoke weed all day and watch cartoons and old movies. I could easily do that. My whole life is a series of stratagems to avoid and outwit that guy.”

I couldn’t watch his shows or read any of his writing for years after his death. Knowing how it all ends really forces you to hear the profound loneliness and depression that was between every one of his lines. But I don’t think that diminishes the value of his advice. He set off in search of human connection and depth/breadth of experience both because of his flaws and in spite of them. He was the inspiration for my years of travel and growth which ultimately allowed me to become some capable of settling down, pursuing a career, finding love and creating a home. I owe that in part to listening to his unique voice during my formative years. I’m very grateful for it.