“Taste is the common sense of genius.”
- February 26, 1802 – May 22, 1885
- Born in France
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels and poems such as “Les Miserables” and “Notre-Dame de Paris,” he was a representative figure of French Romantic literature and had a worldwide influence.
Quote
“Taste is the common sense of genius.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo suggests that taste, or the ability to discern and appreciate beauty, is a form of common sense that is inherent in those with genius. Genius, in this context, refers not just to intellectual brilliance or extraordinary talent, but to a refined sensibility and intuition that allows a person to perceive and create what is truly valuable in art, life, or thought. While common sense is often seen as the practical, everyday wisdom that guides ordinary decisions, taste is the more sophisticated version of this wisdom, present in those whose creativity and insight shape the world around them. For genius, taste becomes a kind of heightened common sense—a way to perceive and interpret the world in a deeply meaningful and elevated way.
Hugo’s words reflect the idea that art and beauty are not only subjective, but they also have an intrinsic rightness that can be understood by those who are in tune with higher ideals. Taste, in this sense, goes beyond personal preference to a kind of universal appreciation for what is truly significant, just as genius is not only about innovation but about knowing what resonates with truth and authenticity.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the importance of discernment and refinement in creativity and decision-making. It suggests that those with great creative ability or insight have an innate sense of what is truly valuable, beautiful, or right. Taste, for them, is an expression of their deeper connection to the world and their ability to see beyond the ordinary, making them capable of shaping culture and inspiring others.
