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taste governs every free - as opposed to rote - human…

“taste governs every free - as opposed to rote - human response. Nothing is more decisive. There is taste in people, visual taste, taste in emotion - and there is taste in acts, taste in morality. Intelligence, as well, is really a kind of taste: taste in ideas.” quote by Susan Sontag
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“taste governs every free - as opposed to rote - human response. Nothing is more decisive. There is taste in people, visual taste, taste in emotion - and there is taste in acts, taste in morality. Intelligence, as well, is really a kind of taste: taste in ideas.”

Susan Sontag

About This Quote

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

Taste shapes our judgments in aesthetics, emotion, morality, and even intellect, guiding choices beyond rote behavior.

In simple terms: Taste influences judgments beyond habit.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate refined taste in all areas.

Themes

aesthetics morality intellect judgment

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • personal relationships
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

subjectivity cultural capital sensory perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your cultural background shape your taste?
  • Can taste be taught?
A Different Perspective

Taste is subjective and can be biased by culture.

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