taste.htm

Notes on Taste

What is taste?

Taste is a cultivated sensitivity to the nuances and subtleties that distinguish high-quality work from mediocrity. It's an acquired understanding of what makes something effective, beautiful, or impactful within a given domain. Taste develops through a combination of exposure to a wide range of works, critical analysis, and hands-on experience in creating.

In writing, taste involves appreciating factors such as structure, pacing, word choice, and the ability to convey complex ideas with clarity. In programming, taste encompasses aspects like code organization, naming conventions, performance optimization, and adherence to best practices and design patterns.

What does it mean to have taste in creative work?

Having taste in creative work means possessing a refined sense of discernment and appreciation for quality, style, and effectiveness. It involves recognizing what elements contribute to a piece of work being considered "good" within its specific domain. In writing, taste may manifest as an appreciation for compelling narratives, eloquent prose, and impactful storytelling. In programming, taste can be seen in clean, efficient, and maintainable code that elegantly solves problems.

How do you recongize what's good?

Recognizing what's good is a skill developed through exposure, study, and practice. As Cal Newport emphasizes, deliberate practice and deep work are crucial in honing one's craft. By immersing yourself in the works of master writers or programmers, you begin to internalize the qualities that make their work exceptional. Over time, you develop an intuitive sense of what constitutes good work in your field.

Rick Rubin often speaks about the importance of emotional resonance in creative work. In writing, a good piece is one that evokes a strong emotional response in the reader, whether it's through relatable characters, powerful themes, or vivid imagery. In programming, a good piece of code is one that not only functions correctly but also communicates its intent clearly and is pleasurable to read and maintain.