The Decisive Moment

In the vast tapestry of human experience, there’s a fleeting yet profound instance when time seems to pause, as if holding its breath, awaiting the spark of inspiration to guide the path ahead. It is in this moment that creativity is born. 

I like to call it The Decisive Moment, when, whether subconsciously or not, a path is ignited in the minds and souls of creatives everywhere. My Decisive Moment came in my 20s while discovering Henri Cartier-Bresson’s tome titled, ironically, The Decisive Moment. It’s widely considered one of the most important photobooks of the twentieth century that pioneers the photograph as a unique narrative form. 

Upon the first page turn, I understood how art can transcend time and space into a realm of transformation. I think hours must have passed, but there I was, sitting on Prosper’s floor transfixed. I wasn’t thinking anything about publishing, but that day, I understood what makes a good book. It was one of the first books I discovered where the choices this man made, the photos, everything was extraordinary. Now, did this book consciously or subconsciously inspire our first Assouline book? I’ll never know. 

On our Culture Lounge podcast, we’re constantly hearing from innovators and visionaries, all of whom have had their own Decisive Moment. For Enrico Bernardo, master sommelier and author of The Impossible Collection of Wine, his decisive moment was recognizing the aroma of a green olive in wine for the first time. Journalist and fashion enthusiast Alina Cho’s moment was watching Olivia Newton John stroll out in a black spandex jumpsuit during the finale of “Grease,” while art dealer Philippe Ségalot had his at the age of 10 upon viewing Rothko for the first time at MoCA. He recalled having the feeling that “I was sitting in front of something that was important that could become important in my life.” Watch enthusiast Mike Nouveau had his own moment, upon viewing a Rolex Gmt-master reference 1675.

Every story we strive to tell, whether in a book, on a podcast, or on our new content destination centers around the concept of appreciating beauty and precision in craft. For many creators of today’s most inspiring works, their Decisive Moment came when they were least expecting it. We hope in some small way, our work can help inspire yours.