In a culture obsessed with superlatives, where every product is “game-changing,” every movie is a “masterpiece,” and every baby photo is met with “so cute!”—it’s easy to wonder: when everything is labeled the best, does anything truly stand out?
This phenomenon, where praise is overused to the point of losing its meaning, reflects a broader societal trend. Our reluctance to critique or differentiate quality undermines authenticity and diminishes our ability to appreciate genuine greatness. Let’s explore why not every baby is cute—and why that’s okay.
The Superlative Problem
When everything is “the best,” it creates a paradox. If perfection is everywhere, it becomes impossible to distinguish what is truly exceptional.
- Dilution of Meaning
Words like “amazing” or “revolutionary” lose their impact when used indiscriminately. What once conveyed genuine admiration now feels obligatory or hollow.
- Example: If every app is “groundbreaking,” how do we identify the one that actually changes the game?
- Fear of Critique
In an effort to avoid conflict or hurt feelings, people shy away from honest opinions. This creates a feedback loop where mediocrity is celebrated, and authentic brilliance goes unrecognized.
- Example: Saying “all babies are beautiful” may feel kind, but it ignores the reality that not every baby looks like a cherub fresh out of a diaper commercial.
- Complacency in Excellence
Over-praising mediocrity discourages improvement. When everything receives equal acclaim, there’s little incentive to strive for genuine excellence.
The Value of Differentiation
Acknowledging differences in quality isn’t cruel—it’s essential for growth, creativity, and authenticity.
- Honest Critique Builds Trust
When someone offers genuine feedback, it adds credibility to their praise. If they call one project “average,” their excitement for another feels more meaningful.
- Example: A trusted film critic who occasionally pans movies makes their five-star reviews much more compelling.
- Celebrating True Excellence
Reserving praise for the truly outstanding allows us to celebrate real achievements. This makes recognition more valuable for both the giver and the recipient.
- Example: Instead of handing out participation trophies, acknowledging the standout performance inspires others to push harder.
- Growth Through Constructive Criticism
By embracing imperfection, we allow room for improvement. Honest critique—delivered with care—fosters creativity and progress.
- Example: Telling an artist their work has potential but needs refinement encourages them to reach new heights, rather than settling for mediocrity.
Why It’s Okay If Not Every Baby Is Cute
The phrase “not every baby is cute” is a metaphor for life’s imperfections. It’s a reminder that it’s okay for some things to be less than stellar. In fact, those imperfections make the truly remarkable moments stand out.
- Imperfection is Human
Acknowledging flaws doesn’t diminish worth. A baby may not be photogenic, but they are still deeply loved. Similarly, a flawed idea or project may still have value and potential. - Authenticity Matters
Genuine appreciation carries more weight than empty flattery. Recognizing differences in quality allows us to form deeper connections with what truly resonates. - Room for Growth
By accepting imperfection, we open the door for improvement. Growth and greatness stem from recognizing what can be better.
Striving for Balance
While honesty is important, it doesn’t mean we should tear everything apart. Balance is key:
- Praise Where It’s Due: Celebrate genuine achievements and effort.
- Offer Constructive Feedback: Critique with care, focusing on solutions.
- Embrace Variety: Recognize that not everything needs to be “the best” to have value.
Conclusion
Not every baby is cute—and that’s okay. When we overuse praise, we dilute its meaning and rob ourselves of the joy of recognizing true excellence. By being honest about flaws and selective in our admiration, we can create a world where genuine greatness stands out and imperfection becomes a stepping stone, not a stopping point.
Let’s reserve “the best” for what truly deserves it—and embrace the beauty in everything else for what it is.