White Castle Wisdom

White Castle is proof positive that the simplest solutions are usually the best. White Castle was founded in Wichita, KS almost 90 years ago. A simple idea based on inexpensive food, made from simple ingredients; hamburger, onions, and buns. Though the methods may have changed slightly, the recipe still remains the same. Why fix that which is unbroken?

By comparison, take a look at our constitution. An uncomplicated document void of legalese,and written in simple, elegant text. A document drafted for the people, by the people. A people of simple means, simple eduation and an uncommon sense of common sense. Our constitution, much like White Castle, found a formula that resonated with its consumers. A combination that, no matter how people try, cannot be made better than its humble beginnings. 

What makes us crave a White Castle? Is it nothing more than an appeal to our senses? Is it strictly the combination of smell, taste, and texture? Maybe cost is the key. Saving money is a powerful motivator. There are only so many places you can go to get three burgers for the cost of one at some other places. I think it may go a little deeper. White Castle's success may be the that the food is uncomplicated and unpretentious. I hear people slander the Slyders all the time, but I think there are more closet Castle Cravers than we know. After all, when the party is over, would you rather have a Slyder or a Chateaubriand?

So why did early Americans crave this country? The logical answer might be the abundant natural resources, or the sense of adventure. I think it was something else. When the party was over in England, our forefathers desired something a little less complicated; a place to call their own. A place where freedoms and liberties were a way of life, not dictated by those with supreme power. Our constitution addressed the needs of the very people who forged a way of life here. It was not an easy life. Our ancestors worked hard, fought harder, and payed the ultimate price to create a country of prosperity and limitless possibilities. Do you still crave the American spirit?

Today, White Castle slams us with periodic media blitzes. But does advertisement alone keep them going? I think it's more the just a commercial or radio ad. I think word of mouth probably sells more White Castles than anything else. How many times have you been at work, hanging out after school, or just been driving around when someone makes the suggestion? More often than not, where do you end up? The best advertising of all comes from a product that people crave. The hard sell might sustain a business for a while, but in the end its the product that sells itself. White Castle sold over 500,000,000 burgers last year alone.

What makes America so attractive to so many people? There has to be a reason so many people want to be here, and so many that profess to hate it still remain. The reason is simple. We have a superior product. From our people to our way of life. Anybody, with any kind of desire, can achieve whatever they wish in this country. Something rarely found, to the extents we are privileged to enjoy, anywhere else on this blue marble. Our advertisement is word of mouth, and our competitors are making it easier to succeed every day. I just hope we have the common sense of our forefathers to realize just how great we have it, before we lower our standards to make our competitors feel better about themselves.

I think you know where I'm going with this; the dry mouth, the after taste, the other "side affects." The price we pay for those few moments of glorious indulgence the night before. The guilt of knowing we didn't necessarily count our calories from fat judiciously. But isn't it worth it? What's the harm in having a White Castle once in awhile? We need to feed our cravings periodically and, let's face it, nothing satisfies a craving like a White Castle.There is no harm, once in awhile; just do it responsibly. "Too much of a good thing..." as they say.

I believe this country is experiencing a morning after; the dry mouth, the after taste, the other "side affects." We have had our White Castle equivalent, and now we have to manage our guilt. So we, as idividuals, may have made some bad economic decisions, political choices, and moral decisions. That is no reason to self-destruct. We simply take responsibility for our own actions, and embrace the future. Now, more than ever, we need to stand for what is right and what our forefathers and fathers have fought and died for. Giving up our freedoms and liberties to make us feel better about our White Castle night is not the way. If we do that, our indulgence may be the death of a brilliantly simple idea.