the tasteless following taste

This morning, while Roman slept in on what will be one of his last days of summer (and also his 14th birthday—happy birthday, Roman!!) I had coffee with a friend of mine. We had a great conversation catching up and diving into various subjects, including creativity, Rick Rubin, marriage, life planning, spirituality, and design.

My friend had a great observation he shared while we were discussing creativity and design. He shared how most people think they have good “taste” because they like what society has said is tasteful;

“It’s the tasteless following taste, thinking they have good taste.”

Do you really think that Michelin-starred restaurant is really that good?

Or do you think it’s good because you’re supposed to be impressed by the chef and her creations?

Maybe it really is that good. Then again, maybe it’s that “good” because someone with enough power and influence deemed it to be, and everyone just followed their lead.

You can see this with art and fashion as well.

There are many areas in life where we just go with what others have determined is “right.” That’s not always a bad thing, but in some cases, following the crowd may not align with your authentic life, and if you never question “why” you like something or are doing something, you won’t know if you’re one of the tasteless following taste, thinking they have good taste or actually know what your taste is.

See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC