Meaning: The quote "I'm saddened to see that everyone's pitched out the baby with the bath, in that we say that it can't be one or the other, it could be both. I mean, just because we listen to classical music doesn't mean that we can't listen to jazz" by Don Bluth, an American animator, film director, producer, writer, production designer, video game designer, and animation instructor, reflects a sentiment about embracing diversity and the coexistence of different ideas, styles, or preferences. In this quote, Don Bluth highlights the tendency of people to adopt a binary mindset, where they believe that choices or preferences must be mutually exclusive, leading to the dismissal of one option in favor of another.

Bluth's analogy of "pitching out the baby with the bath" is a reference to the idiom "throwing out the baby with the bathwater," which means to discard something valuable or useful while disposing of something undesirable. This expression originated from the historical practice of communal bathing, where family members would use the same water for their baths, with the baby being the last to be bathed. As a result, the water would become dirty, and there was a risk of the baby being accidentally thrown out with the bathwater. The idiom is used to caution against rejecting something valuable while attempting to get rid of something unwanted.

In the context of the quote, Bluth uses this analogy to convey his disappointment with the prevalent mindset that promotes an either-or mentality. He emphasizes the possibility of embracing multiple options, experiences, or viewpoints without the need to exclude one in favor of the other. By using the example of listening to classical music and jazz, he illustrates that enjoying one genre of music does not preclude the enjoyment of another. This concept can be applied to various aspects of life, including art, culture, beliefs, and personal preferences.

The quote encourages individuals to adopt a more inclusive and open-minded approach, where they can appreciate the richness and diversity of different perspectives, styles, and experiences. It promotes the idea of finding harmony in diversity and recognizing the value of coexistence. Instead of limiting oneself to rigid dichotomies, Bluth's words advocate for a more flexible and inclusive mindset that embraces the beauty of variety and multiplicity.

This message is particularly relevant in today's society, where polarizing attitudes and divisiveness often dominate public discourse. The quote serves as a reminder to avoid succumbing to the temptation of categorizing everything into mutually exclusive binaries and instead encourages the celebration of diversity and complexity. By acknowledging that it can be "both" rather than "either/or," individuals can cultivate a more inclusive and enriched worldview.

In conclusion, Don Bluth's quote underscores the importance of embracing diversity, inclusivity, and the coexistence of different ideas, styles, or preferences. It urges individuals to resist the temptation to adopt a binary mindset and instead encourages them to appreciate the value of multiplicity and variety. By recognizing that it can be "both," individuals can strive to create a more harmonious and inclusive society where the richness of different perspectives and experiences is celebrated.