"Parfois, il est plus important d'être humain que d'avoir bon goût"

The heart of this quote is all about prioritizing empathy and human connection over being aesthetically or socially 'correct.' It's a gentle reminder that being kind, understanding, and compassionate often matters more than adhering strictly to certain standards of taste or propriety.

Think back to the mid-20th century when this sentiment might have been particularly relevant. Picture a society obsessed with appearances and social norms. In this context, the quote suggests that it's better to show genuine humanity rather than just conforming to what’s considered 'good taste.'

Imagine a friend who’s just moved into a new apartment. The place is a mess — boxes everywhere, mismatched furniture, and not a decor magazine piece in sight. Instead of judging their lack of interior design skills, you roll up your sleeves and help them unpack. You bring over a pizza and beers, make the process fun, and show you care more about their company than their decorating choices.

Applying this wisdom in our daily lives is quite simple, really. Next time you find yourself in a situation where you could be critical, pause. Think about how you can be understanding and supportive instead. If a colleague messes up a presentation, instead of pointing out their mistakes, offer to help them improve for next time. It's about choosing humanity—showing you care about the person behind the action.

Let me share a story to illustrate this idea. Once, I attended a dinner party hosted by a friend who wasn't exactly known for their culinary skills. The evening was all about experimenting with new recipes. When the main course turned out a little... underwhelming, instead of making a face or a remark, everyone around the table found something positive to say. We laughed about it, shared stories of our own kitchen disasters, and in the end, had a wonderful evening filled with joy and camaraderie. The connection we all felt was far more valuable than any gourmet meal.

So, the next time you’re tempted to judge someone for their taste—or lack thereof—take a moment. Think about how you can be supportive and kind. Whether it’s about their clothes, their music preferences, or their decor, remember that being human, showing empathy and understanding, can foster deeper connections and bring more warmth into the world.