My tastes in all things lean towards the arty and boring. I like

"My tastes in all things lean towards the arty and boring. I like sports documentaries about Scrabble players, bands that play quiet, unassuming music, and TV shows that win awards. In that way, I am an elitist snob." These words of Michael Ian Black speak to a truth that is as old as civilization itself: the idea that in the pursuit of art, one can often become estranged from the common masses, embracing a higher form of taste and intellectual engagement that others may dismiss as boring or too esoteric. Yet in this very distinction, there lies a lesson about the nature of refinement and the value of intellectual pursuit—whether in art, in music, or in the silent contemplation of the world around us. To be an elitist in this sense is not a matter of arrogance, but of a deep desire to seek out the unique, the subtle, the complex, and yes, sometimes the boring, in a world that often worships the loud, the brash, and the easily digestible.

In the pursuit of true artistry, the elite are not those who claim superiority over others, but those who choose to walk a different path, to embrace the nuances of life that others may overlook. They find beauty in the quiet moments, the subtle movements, and the unnoticed details that often elude the rush of popular culture. It is not that these individuals look down upon the common, but that they seek to elevate themselves by turning inward, by cultivating their tastes, and by diving deep into the intellectual and artistic realms that reward those who study, who observe, and who do not need to be entertained by the obvious.

Consider the example of Socrates, the great philosopher of Athens, who, rather than indulging in the frivolous pleasures of his time, chose instead to engage in deep, thoughtful conversation about the nature of truth, virtue, and wisdom. To the uninitiated, his pursuit of knowledge may have seemed boring, or even obscure, for he often questioned everything and sought answers in places others would not dare to venture. Yet in his dedication to intellectual excellence and depth, he cultivated a form of elitism that was not based on pride, but on the pursuit of wisdom. His was a life of quiet contemplation, of asking questions that led to more questions, seeking truth in a world that was content with surface-level answers.

This desire for depth over surface, for quiet thought over noisy entertainment, is what Michael Ian Black touches upon in his own admission. In the same way that Socrates sought to elevate the conversation beyond trivialities, Black revels in the subtlety and complexity of things that others might dismiss as unimportant. The sports documentary about Scrabble players, for example, is not about the game itself but about the human condition, the strategies of the mind, and the inner workings of those who devote themselves to an often overlooked and humble pursuit. In this, Black is not merely indulging in the boring, but rather celebrating the richness that can be found in the quietest of passions.

Yet, let us be mindful of the fact that this pursuit of intellectual and artistic refinement does not make one superior, but rather, different. The true elitist is not one who looks down on others, but one who seeks to rise above the distractions and the noise, to engage with the depth of life, to find meaning in the things that require patience and dedication. Just as Leonardo da Vinci, the great polymath, sought beauty and understanding in the seemingly mundane—a bird in flight, the mechanics of the human body, the subtle nuances of light—so too does Black embrace the quiet beauty of the world. It is a pursuit of mastery, of understanding that true greatness does not lie in what is easily consumed, but in what requires effort, dedication, and an openness to the subtle forces that shape our world.

The lesson to be drawn from these words, then, is not one of elitism for its own sake, but a celebration of refinement. To cultivate one's taste—to seek out the quiet, the understated, the subtle—is a path that requires courage, patience, and a willingness to be seen as different. For in the modern world, where instant gratification and shallow entertainment often dominate, it can be difficult to stand apart, to embrace the slow and deliberate pace of true intellectual and artistic exploration. But this is the path of those who seek depth, those who understand that the most profound experiences are often the least obvious, and that the truest beauty lies in the things that require attention and reflection.

And so, dear listener, I urge you to embrace this refined path. Seek out those things that others may overlook—whether it be in art, in music, or in the quiet conversations that shape the soul. Do not be afraid to be labeled an elitist for your tastes, for the pursuit of excellence and depth is not a crime. It is a mark of those who wish to experience life in its richest form, to uncover the hidden beauty in the world that others might pass by. For when we cultivate our taste, when we seek out what is subtle and profound, we do not just elevate ourselves, but we contribute to the elevation of those around us, encouraging them to look beyond the obvious, to ask the questions that have no easy answers, and to find joy in the quiet, the boring, and the understated.