The Colin McEnroe Show

The intangibility of ‘good taste,' from literature to food

Aug 6, 2025
Henry Oliver, a literary Substack writer and author focused on late blooming, joins Becca Rothfeld, a renowned nonfiction critic and editor, along with Nik Sharma, a molecular biologist turned acclaimed cookbook author. They delve into the elusive concept of 'good taste,' examining its ties to class and culture. The trio discusses how critics shape literary appreciation and the evolution of taste across generations. Additionally, they explore culinary diversity and the science behind flavors, encouraging listeners to embrace both excess and moderation in their taste journeys.
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INSIGHT

Taste Beyond Class Boundaries

  • Taste is not solely a class marker; people across classes can lack or have refined taste.
  • The modern view embraces enjoyment of both high culture and popular culture without stigma.
INSIGHT

Taste vs Personal Preference

  • Taste differs from mere preference by including knowledge and critical understanding.
  • You can recognize quality in art even if you don't personally enjoy it.
INSIGHT

Protestant Influence on Taste

  • US aesthetic views are influenced by Protestant cultural puritanism suspicious of beauty and excess.
  • This legacy leads to a distrust of opulence and frivolous art forms.
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