With AI news buzzing and our growing reliance on tools like ChatGPT, we start to wonder: What human skills really matter in this AI-driven world? I've touched on this before and today, I want to delve into one skill that's more vital than ever—judgment.
Think of judgment as your personal taste, shaped by knowledge and experience.
Why bother having good taste when AI can do everything?
Even though AI can generate art, write sales copy, and generate code:
An artist can judge the nuances of art better than a layperson. 🖼️
A copywriter will generate better copy using AI than someone else. ✍️
A coder will produce better code using AI than a non-coder. 👩🏻💻
…and so on.
This idea takes me back to a timeless essay by Paul Graham titled "Is there such a thing as good taste?" Here's a simplified version of it, suitable for adults and kids alike. Share it around the dinner table to spark intriguing conversations.
Why we thought good taste was a myth
My kids believed there was no such thing as good taste. My 12-year-old son thought his music playlist was the epitome of cool, while my 15-year-old daughter insisted hers was far superior. 🎶 After all, everyone likes different things! Who can decide who’s right?
But we decided to test this idea.
The Strawman Challenge
We used a clever trick called the Strawman Challenge. It's like making a weak argument to prove a stronger one.
So, we argued: "If there's no good taste, then art, food, and all creativity are just personal preferences."
That means a painting by a pro artist is no better than an 8-year-old's, or a Michelin chef's dish isn't tastier than one made by a newbie boiling water.
Why this doesn't add up
It didn't feel right. Good designs, stories, and food do exist. So do talented designers, writers, and chefs. If you prefer a pro's design over a kid's Canva doodle, you must have good taste in design. The same goes for food. Good taste must exist!
Why do some doubt it
Three reasons:
Ignoring the details: Some folks miss the finer points because they don't care enough. Like not noticing the difference between a $5 and a $5000 wine.
Peer pressure: Our tastes aren't just ours; they're influenced by authority figures and trends. What's attractive? What's popular? We often follow the crowd.
What's really in the art?: Here's the tricky part. When people judge art, it's like they're judging with invisible glasses. These glasses aren't the same for everyone. So, when people disagree, who's right?
Finding common ground
Art is meant to connect with humans. It's like a vaccine - it works on most people, even though our immune systems vary.
To appreciate good art, you need to notice the details and clear your mind of biases. So although 'perfect' taste doesn't exist, good taste certainly does.
Developing your taste and judgment
Now, here's the exciting part. You can work on developing your good taste! It's like a skill you can hone. Here's how:
Stay curious about the world around you. Try new foods, read different books, and explore various art forms. The more you expose yourself to, the richer your taste will become.
When you experience something, pay close attention to the details. Whether it's the brush strokes in a painting, the ingredients in a dish, or the words in a book, the devil is in the details.
Challenge your own preferences. Ask yourself why you like or dislike something. Is it because you genuinely enjoy it, or is it because everyone else does? 🤔
Don't be afraid to learn from experts, those who have already developed good taste. Read their reviews, listen to their advice, and let their wisdom guide you.
Go ahead and cultivate your good taste. Who knows, maybe one day, someone will admire your judgment when you recommend a fantastic book or dish!