Any critic is entitled to wrong judgments, of course. But certain lapses of judgment indicate the radical failure of an entire sensibility.

The quote by Susan Sontag—“Any critic is entitled to wrong judgments, of course. But certain lapses of judgment indicate the radical failure of an entire sensibility”—explores the responsibilities and deeper implications of criticism. Sontag acknowledges that even the most thoughtful critics can make mistakes in judgment, as part of the subjective nature of evaluating art, literature, or culture. However, she draws a crucial distinction between ordinary errors and those that reveal a more profound flaw in sensibility—the fundamental way a critic perceives and interprets the world.

By referring to a “radical failure of an entire sensibility,” Sontag suggests that some misjudgments are not just isolated oversights but signs of a deeper intellectual or emotional disconnect. A critic’s sensibility—their instincts, values, and aesthetic orientation—shapes their interpretations. When this foundation is flawed, it undermines the credibility and insight of all their critical work. In this way, she holds critics to a high standard, emphasizing the moral and intellectual seriousness of cultural critique.

This quote reflects Sontag’s broader philosophy of aesthetic rigor and critical responsibility. As one of the most influential essayists and cultural theorists of the 20th century, Sontag believed that criticism should not be shallow or reactive but deeply engaged with the complexities of meaning, form, and context. She often challenged prevailing tastes and demanded more depth, precision, and honesty from those who interpret and evaluate art and ideas.

The origin of this quote is consistent with the themes found in Sontag’s seminal works like Against Interpretation and On Photography. Her writing frequently critiques the failure of cultural gatekeepers to grasp the deeper significance of art and experience. With this quote, she reinforces the idea that critical thought is not just a skill but a moral and aesthetic stance—one that requires constant vigilance, integrity, and the courage to see clearly.