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[The]...feeling for what one should want, in contrast with…

“[The]...feeling for what one should want, in contrast with actual desire, is stronger in the unthinking than in those sophisticated by education. It is the later who argues into the ‘tolerant’ (economic) attitude of de gustibus non est disputandum [in matters of taste, there can be no disputes]…” quote by Frank H. Knight
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““[The]...feeling for what one should want, in contrast with actual desire, is stronger in the unthinking than in those sophisticated by education. It is the later who argues into the ‘tolerant’ (economic) attitude of de gustibus non est disputandum [in matters of taste, there can be no disputes]; the man in the street is more likely to view the individual whose tastes are ‘wrong’ as a scurvy fellow who ought to be despised if not beaten up or shot.””

Frank H. Knight

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People often judge others' tastes harshly, favoring their own unexamined preferences over educated ones.

In simple terms: Judgment of taste is biased.

Key Takeaway

Recognize bias in taste judgments.

Themes

bias taste social judgment

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • restaurant reviews
  • fashion choices
  • political discourse

Key Concepts

cultural relativism education prejudice

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we label differing tastes as wrong?
  • How does education affect taste perception?
A Different Perspective

Bias can stifle open-mindedness.

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