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Don't confuse good taste with the absence of taste.
William Bernbach
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Good taste is about discernment, not merely the lack of taste.

This quote emphasizes that having good taste involves a thoughtful appreciation of aesthetics and quality, rather than simply not having poor taste. It suggests that one can possess a refined sense while still understanding the complexities of what constitutes tastefulness.

Themes

TasteDiscernmentAestheticsQualityPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on art, one might reference this quote to advocate for deeper appreciation of different styles.

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You can say the right thing about a product and nobody will listen. You’ve got to say it in such a way that people will feel it in their gut. Because if they don’t feel it, nothing will happen.
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