It is natural for us to seek a Standard of Taste; a rule, by which the various sentiments of men may be reconciled; at least, a decision, afforded, confirming one sentiment, and condemning another.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humans naturally want a rule to judge and compare different tastes.
- In plain terms
- We want a standard to decide which tastes are better.
- What can you take from it?
- Look for shared standards when comparing personal tastes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is there a universal standard for taste?
Another view
Not all tastes can or should be reconciled by a single rule.
More from David Hume
The sentiments of men often differ with regard to beauty and deformity of all kinds, even while their general discourse is the same ... In all matters of opini…
Permalink to quote #59 But though all the general rules of art are founded only on experience and on the observation of the common sentiments of human nature, we must not imagine, th…
Permalink to quote #61 It was a fixed maxim in this reign, as well as in some of the subsequent, that no native of the island should ever be advanced to any dignity, ecclesiastical, …
Permalink to quote #58
Related quotes
He who meanly admires mean things is a Snob.
William Makepeace ThackerayWilliam Makepeace Thackeray quote #2 They shouldn't even be considered. I don't know, man, they got a couple of hit songs, a catchy groove, great beat, I give them a 0.
Tom ArayaTom Araya quote #2 I like you-I have no taste-but I like you.
Henny YoungmanHenny Youngman quote #17