It is hard to imagine a civilization without onions.
You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces - just good food from fresh ingredients.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking... doesn't mean it has to be fancy cooking, although it can be as elaborate as you wish.
A party without cake is really just a meeting.
Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.
If you're afraid of butter, use cream.