Is taste a 'new core skill'? Techies debate — and quickly get memed
Business Insider
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Tech leaders like Y Combinator’s Paul Graham and OpenAI’s Greg Brockman are sparking a debate on X about whether “taste” will become a critical skill in the AI-driven future. They argue that as AI automates creation, the ability to make thoughtful choices—what they call “taste”—will set apart those who succeed. This concept revolves around having strong judgment skills to determine what’s worth keeping or creating, especially as engineers take on more roles in managing AI agents.
The discussion has drawn mixed reactions. While some tech leaders support the idea, others question its validity. For instance, Linear’s Nan Yu argues that AI might already surpass humans in “taste” by learning from vast datasets. Meanwhile, memes have flooded X, humorously highlighting Silicon Valley’s questionable style choices and challenging the notion of tech leaders as taste-makers. The debate also raises broader questions about what constitutes “taste” and whether it can truly be a quantifiable skill.
Despite the skepticism, there’s recognition that in industries like fashion and music, taste has long been a valuable asset. Figures like Def Jam cofounder Rick Rubin, who attributes his success to confidence in his taste, suggest that this quality could translate into tech. As AI becomes more prevalent, the ability to curate and discern may indeed become a key differentiator for professionals. Whether it’s selecting which AI-generated products to keep or deciding which projects to pursue, having strong judgment skills will likely remain crucial.
For business readers, this matters because understanding how to leverage human judgment in an AI-driven world could be a competitive advantage. While some argue that AI can eventually replicate taste, others see it as a uniquely human trait. As industries increasingly rely on automation, the ability to make thoughtful decisions—backed by good taste—will likely become even more valuable for leaders across sectors.
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Business Insider on 2/20/2026