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Emotion Quote by Susan Sontag

“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

Source Essay: On Photography, Susan Sontag, 1977

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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