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About this quote

What does it mean?
It advises people to claim the appearance of something is better than its substance, or vice versa, to avoid judgment.
In plain terms
Say the look is better than the taste to avoid criticism.
What can you take from it?
Using deflection prevents you from being judged on substance.

Where it applies

  • tasting events
  • reviewing art
  • social dining

Putting it to work

  • manage expectations
  • deflect criticism
  • appreciate nuance

Questions to consider

  • Why do we prefer appearances over substance?
  • Is avoiding judgment worth losing honesty?

Another view

It reduces meaningful evaluation to a trivial comparison.

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