We all have some taste or other, of too ancient a date to admit of our remembering it was an acquired one

We all have some taste or other, of too ancient a date to admit of our remembering it was an acquired one

Charles Lamb, the renowned English essayist and poet, was a man of refined taste and sensibility. His works are a testament to his deep appreciation for literature, art, and culture. In his essay "On the Tragedies of Shakespeare," Lamb explores the idea that our tastes are shaped by experiences that are so deeply ingrained in our psyche that we cannot remember when or how they were acquired.

Lamb suggests that our tastes are influenced by a combination of nature and nurture. He argues that there are certain preferences and inclinations that are inherent in us from birth, while others are acquired through exposure to various influences. However, he also acknowledges that there are tastes that are so ancient and deeply rooted in our consciousness that we cannot pinpoint their origins.

In the context of Charles Lamb's own life and work, this idea takes on a special significance. Lamb was a man of eclectic tastes, with a deep love for literature, music, and the arts. His essays are filled with references to classical authors, poets, and playwrights, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and influences. It is clear that Lamb's tastes were shaped by a lifetime of reading, writing, and engaging with the cultural and intellectual currents of his time.

Lamb's own life story is a testament to the idea that our tastes are shaped by experiences that are too ancient to remember. Born in 1775, Lamb grew up in a time of great social and political upheaval in England. He was exposed to a wide range of influences, from the classical literature of Greece and Rome to the emerging Romantic movement in English literature. These experiences undoubtedly shaped Lamb's tastes and sensibilities, influencing his writing and his views on art and culture.