Ricky Vernio

Many of us are only too familiar with vaguely annoying phrases such as, “That’s just one person’s opinion,” and “There’s no accounting for taste,” often overlooking that “no science can defend its first principles.” The quote is often ascribed to Aristotle. Good for Aristotle. 

Not everything is relative, as Albert Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity demonstrates, even relativity itself can only work if the speed of light is recognized as absolute. Without foundational absolutes, no structure can remain intact. 

This quaint idea can be applied to – well, pretty much anything, including taste.

Some things are unquestionably beautiful; others, strikingly harmonious. Good taste, once acquired (yes: it’s a skill that can be developed, and the process is straightforward) compels us to favor beauty over ugliness, harmony over chaos, affection over resentment, truth over hypocrisy, and on and on. 

The debate between good taste and poor has persisted throughout human history and continues to this day, which is one of the reasons why so many people are pissed off (but that’s a story for another day). 

Good taste and poor taste are present in every aspect of life: manners, clothes, food, art, politics, history, geography, travel, etc. The list is endless. 

Unlike height, complexion, and, arguably, sharpness of mind, good taste isn’t inherited. It can be cultivated, refined, and perfected. The process and the results can be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable once you get the hang of it.

So, is the view of a tropical sunrise unquestionably beautiful? 

Poor taste is often characterized using such adjectives as tacky, corny, cheesy, mawkish, platitudinous, kitschy, gaudy, garish, and cliché.

That said, comically, qualifiers such as delicious, state-of-the-art, exquisite, etc., can also reflect poor taste.

Good taste: elegant, impeccable, refined, harmonious, graceful, aesthetically pleasing. 

Stay tuned.