Everyone has different tastes and palates. Most of the time I put

In the kitchens where sugar becomes art and flour becomes joy, the master of sweets, Adriano Zumbo, spoke words both humble and profound: “Everyone has different tastes and palates. Most of the time I put a smile on people’s faces but sometimes you get people who have a different view and you take that on board and see what you can make of it.” To some, this is only the reflection of a pastry chef. Yet to those with ears for wisdom, it is a teaching on humility, diversity, and the sacred dance between the creator and those he serves.

For the truth is this: tastes and palates are as varied as the souls of men. What is sweet to one may be bitter to another; what brings delight to one may bring indifference to another. No creation, no matter how exquisite, will ever be loved by all. Zumbo confesses this reality not with bitterness but with acceptance. His joy is in bringing smiles, yet he knows that even the finest craft will not please every mouth. Here he reminds us of a law of life itself: no matter how great our effort, not all will praise us.

The ancients understood this. Consider the tale of the sculptor Phidias, whose statues adorned the Parthenon. To some Athenians, his work was divine, capturing the majesty of the gods. To others, it was flawed, too daring, too human. Yet Phidias did not despair. He took the voices of critics and used them to refine his craft, shaping marble with greater precision. Like Zumbo, he knew that differing views are not obstacles but opportunities—to learn, to adjust, to create anew.

There is also humility in Zumbo’s words. He acknowledges that he is not above the judgment of others, that even when he puts forth his best, there will be those unmoved. But instead of rejecting them, he takes their view on board. This is wisdom: to listen, not only to the applause but also to the critique, and to transform both into fuel for growth. He teaches us that greatness is not found in stubborn pride, but in the courage to learn even from those who disagree.

History offers us a shining example in the life of Abraham Lincoln. During his presidency, he faced constant criticism, even from his own allies. He could have dismissed these voices, but often he listened, adjusting his course when he saw wisdom in another’s view. Like Zumbo in his kitchen, Lincoln understood that serving the people meant balancing many palates, many tastes, many visions. It was in this humility and flexibility that his greatness was revealed.

The lesson, then, is clear: whatever your craft, whether it be cooking, teaching, building, writing, or leading, know that not all will praise your work. Some will smile, others will frown. Do not despair. Rejoice in the smiles, but also learn from the frowns. Take every perspective as a stone for your foundation, every critique as clay in your hands. For in the variety of views lies the opportunity to grow into a master.

So let the words of Adriano Zumbo echo as timeless wisdom: “Everyone has different tastes and palates… sometimes you get people who have a different view and you take that on board and see what you can make of it.” Accept diversity without resentment, embrace critique without anger, and continue creating with joy. For the measure of the true craftsman is not in pleasing all, but in learning from all, and never ceasing to seek the smile that comes when heart, hand, and creation are joined in harmony.